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Selling it: Ways and Means Members Continue to Promote #TPA4USJobs

June 5, 2015 — Blog   


As the House prepares to consider trade promotion authority—or TPA—legislation this month, members of the House Ways and Means Committee are keeping the drumbeat of support going all over the nation. Radio hits, TV interviews, op-eds, and newsletters—our members are hard at work to make sure their constituents have a clear understanding of what TPA really means: more jobs, stronger national security, and more accountability for the president. Here are just a few recent examples:

Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, wrote about the positive impacts trade has on Ohio’s economy in the Delaware Gazette:

“Trade agreements knock down barriers and fuel rapid export growth in our state. Over the past 10 years, Ohio exports have increased by 37 percent, with the most growth in goods going to our free trade partners. With more than 95 percent of the world’s customers living outside the United States, gaining access to those customers is key.”

But that’s not all. Rep. Tiberi will deliver this week’s Weekly Republican Address to discuss how TPA will lead to better trade agreements, more jobs, and higher pay for America’s workers.

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) wrote a hard-hitting piece for TIME.com, arguing the conservative case for TPA:

“As the saying goes, even a broken clock is right twice a day. When it comes to TPA and the trade agreements to follow, the current administration is the broken clock. Conservatives in Congress should recognize the opportunity at hand and grant a crucial victory to the principles of American dominance, domestic prosperity, and government accountability that we hold so dear.”

In Nebraska’s York News-Times, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) explained how TPA ensures Congress has the final say in trade agreements:

“If a trade agreement is deemed by Congress to meet all the required objectives under TPA, it would be given an up-or-down vote. If not, TPA has a built-in off switch to stop the agreement from moving forward. We need to pass TPA to ensure Congress can oversee every aspect of U.S. trade negotiations and enforce the objectives important to all Americans, from agriculture producers to manufacturers to consumers.”

Rep. Smith also spoke with Nebraska TV and KNEB 960 to discuss the importance of passing TPA.

In Minnesota’s Star Tribune, Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) wrote about how Minnesotans stand to benefit from proposed trade deals:

“When it comes to trade—and its role in building a healthier economy—the numbers don’t lie. Jobs that rely on trade pay 18 percent more than the national average. One in five U.S. jobs depends on trade. And it’s businesses of all sizes and their employees that benefit. For instance, small- and medium-sized businesses make up 90 percent of the Minnesota companies that export goods and services to other countries. This is why you’re seeing congressional Republicans and Democrats work with President Obama to advance trade opportunities that benefit American workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses.”

And Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) dispelled myths about secrecy in TPA in an e-newsletter to her constituents:

“Others have stated that TPA will pave the way for the President to cut a “secret” trade deal. Our bill does just the opposite. It explicitly requires the Administration to make the text of its trade agreements public for at least sixty days before Congress even considers it for a vote.”

She also appeared on Fox Business Channel’s Lou Dobbs Tonight, explaining how TPA is the solution for anyone who lacks trust in the president. As Rep. Black noted, TPA empowers Congress, not the president.

 

SUBCOMMITTEE: Full Committee    SUBCOMMITTEE: Trade