What does Preamble of Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To provide for an investigation of Canadian digital trade practices, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act do?

This section outlines findings regarding Canada's Online Streaming Act and its potential impact on U.S. digital trade. The findings state that digital trade is a critical engine of the U.S. economy. Canada's Online Streaming Act imposes contribution and discoverability obligations on audio and audio-visual content, disproportionately affecting U.S.-based companies. These obligations include revenue-based taxes, mandatory contributions to domestic cultural funds, and potentially costly platform modifications. The findings suggest these measures may contravene Canada's commitments under the USMCA to provide non-discriminatory treatment to U.S. digital products and services. Canada is using the USMCA 'cultural industries' exception, which is based on an outdated definition of 'cultural industry'. The section expresses concern that Canada's policies could set a harmful global precedent, encouraging other nations to adopt similar protectionist measures. Several trading partners, including Australia, Brazil, and Israel, are considering similar policies. The findings conclude that it is in the national economic interest of the United States to enforce its trade agreements and address foreign practices that burden U.S. commerce.

What does INVESTIGATION OF CANADIAN DIGITAL TRADE PRACTICES. of Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act do?

This section directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate an investigation under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The investigation will assess whether Canada's Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) and related actions by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) constitute unreasonable or discriminatory practices that burden or restrict United States commerce. The USTR is required to consult with affected U.S. businesses, trade associations, labor representatives, and cultural organizations during the investigation. If the USTR makes an affirmative determination, they must publish it in the Federal Register and consider action under section 301(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, potentially including suspension of trade agreement benefits or duties. If the USTR makes a negative determination and deems action unwarranted, they must report the determination to relevant congressional committees.

What does REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. of Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act do?

This section establishes reporting requirements for the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The USTR must submit an initial report within 90 days of the Act's enactment. The initial report must address the implementation of section 3, Canada's implementation schedule for the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11), and the impact on U.S. digital service providers. The USTR must provide quarterly updates to the initial report for two years. These updates must describe consultations with stakeholders, enforcement actions, and the state of bilateral engagement with Canada. A non-confidential summary of each report and update must be made publicly available.

What does RETALIATORY ACTIONS IF CANADA FAILS TO REMEDY DISCRIMINATORY of Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act do?

This section outlines actions the United States Trade Representative (USTR) may take if Canada fails to address discriminatory measures identified in an investigation. If the USTR determines Canada has not taken satisfactory steps within 180 days of a prior determination, the USTR shall take action under section 301(c) of the Trade Act of 1974. Potential actions include suspending trade agreement concessions, withdrawing benefits, or imposing additional duties on Canadian goods. The duties imposed may be commensurate with the harm resulting from Canada's Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11). Before taking action, the USTR must notify congressional committees and consult with stakeholders. The USTR may terminate actions if Canada eliminates or modifies the discriminatory measures.

What does RELATION TO OTHER GLOBAL FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS. of Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act do?

This section addresses the application of certain provisions to foreign countries with free trade agreements with the United States. If a foreign country with a free trade agreement takes actions similar to those described in section 3(a) of this Act, the Trade Representative will apply the provisions of sections 3, 4, and 5 to that country.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Appropriate congressional committees” are defined as the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate. “Online streaming service” is defined as any digital service delivering audiovisual or audio programming to users in Canada via the internet.

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Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act

Last updated: 3/19/2026 · Introduced: 3/19/2026

Author: Lloyd Smucker (R-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate whether Canada's Online Streaming Act and related actions discriminate against U.S. digital services, potentially violating trade agreements.
If the USTR finds discriminatory practices, the bill authorizes the USTR to take retaliatory actions, such as suspending trade agreement benefits or imposing duties on Canadian goods.
The bill mandates reporting requirements for the USTR, including initial and quarterly reports detailing the investigation's progress, stakeholder consultations, and engagement with Canada.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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