The U.S. Department of Commerce will host a public hearing on its Section 232 investigation of imports of automobiles and automotive parts on Thursday, July 19 in the U.S. Department of Commerce Auditorium. The hearing, which begins at 8:30 a.m., will feature testimony from approximately 45 individuals, representing domestic and international companies, industry groups, labor, and foreign countries. Officials from the Department of Defense will also be participating.

This hearing provides an opportunity for stakeholders to present information and advice relevant to the investigation on the effects of imports of automobiles and automotive parts on national security.

The investigation will consider all relevant facts and input from stakeholders compiled during the notice and comment process before reaching a final determination, which will be based on facts and the statutory requirements. Information from Thursday’s hearing and the more than 2,300 public comments submitted on this issue, in addition to rebuttal comments, will be considered in the Department of Commerce’s investigation and analysis.

All written comments and rebuttal comments are available for viewing at www.regulations.gov docket number DOC-2018-0002. An official transcript of the hearing will be available on www.regulations.gov several days after the hearing has concluded.

Procedures for Attending the Hearing

As the hearing will be open to the public, national security classified information may not be presented. Seating is on a first-come-first served basis. We anticipate a high volume of interest and encourage all members of the public wishing to attend to arrive early and be prepared to go through a security screening.

The main entrance of the Department of Commerce is on 14th Street NW between Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue, across from the Ronald Reagan Building. Upon entering the building, please go through security and check in at the guard's desk. You must present a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or state issued ID. DOC staff will meet and escort visitors to the auditorium.

Non-U.S. Citizens Please Note: All foreign national visitors who do not have permanent resident status and who wish to attend the hearing should send an email to autos232@doc.gov by 12pm EST July 16 and note that they are a foreign national seeking to attend the hearing. You will be required to submit additional information. Please bring a copy of your passport on the day of the hearing to serve as identification. Failure to provide any of the requested information prior to arrival may result in significant delays in entering the facility, and possibly denial of entry into the Department of Commerce.

WHEN:

Thursday, July 19, 2018

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

WHERE:

U.S. Department of Commerce Auditorium

1401 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20230

If you require special accommodations, please contact autos232@doc.gov prior to 5pm EST July 17 and outline any special accommodations that may be required.

Members of the media who plan to attend should RSVP by emailing publicaffairs@doc.gov or contacting Lorri Crowley at lorri.crowley@trade.gov by 5 p.m., on Wednesday, July 17.

Click HERE to view the hearing agenda.