Washington, DC – Today, Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-CA) issued the following statements after the President announced the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive trade and investment agreement with the European Union.

Chairman Camp: “I am a strong supporter of a comprehensive and ambitious trade and investment agreement with the EU and welcome today’s formal launch.  These negotiations can unlock significant economic benefits and support better paying jobs for American workers.  I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Administration to address tariff, non-tariff, and regulatory barriers to U.S. exports and investment.  Tackling these barriers requires clear and effective negotiating objectives, and therefore I welcome the President’s request for Trade Promotion Authority.  Developing bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority is a vital and necessary tool to ensuring the success of these negotiations.”

Trade Subcommittee Chairman Nunes:  “Today’s launch of trade and investment negotiations with the European Union provides an opportunity to solidify a dominant economic alliance focused on free trade and open markets, serving as an influential model for other nations.  I look forward to working with the Administration and will particularly focus on resolving long-standing barriers to our agriculture exports, including Europe’s opaque and inefficient agriculture regulatory system and its failure to use sound science-based standards.”