Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) attended the biannual meeting of the President's Export Council this morning with cabinet members, state officials and business leaders to discuss with President Barack Obama the importance of our current trade negotiations as well as the need to renew Trade Promotion Authority. Among other negotiations, the U.S. is currently negotiating trade agreements with 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and the European Union (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership).
"As we talk about the importance of trade and trade agreements," said Reichert, "we can no longer do so without discussing the need for Trade Promotion Authority, which ensures that Congress has a voice in trade negotiations. Just as our current trade negotiations have bipartisan support in Congress, so does the renewal of Trade Proportion Authority. I am committed to expanding trade opportunities for Washington workers, businesses, and farmers. Because these opportunities create and support jobs here at home."