More Ways and Means Members Make the Case for #TPA4USJobs

Press Release

Tomorrow, the House is scheduled to vote on a series of important trade bills, like trade promotion authority (TPA), that will help bring accountability and transparency to future trade agreements while making better jobs and bigger markets a reality for American workers. Considering the benefits of TPA, it's no surprise that even more members of the Ways and Means Committee are making the case for TPA. Here are a few more examples to add to the list:

Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) set the record straight on what's fact and what's fiction in a recent blog post:

"Myth: Congress is voting this week on a trade agreement. Fact: This week, Congress is expected to vote on TPA--a bill that would set congressional parameters on any ongoing trade negotiations, including TPP. TPA is in no way a trade agreement. Instead, TPA allows Congress to help set the rules for trade negotiations and lays out objectives of what a good trade deal looks like for America. This helps ensure greater transparency throughout the negotiating process by empowering Congress to conduct vigorous oversight and hold the administration accountable."

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) explained how TPA reins in the Obama administration on Red Alert Politics:

"Those with concerns about President Obama's tendency to overstep his constitutional bounds should be the first to support TPA. This legislation limits the President's power while increasing Congress's role in trade negotiations. We should not miss the chance to put such a crucial form of congressional oversight into law."

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), along with Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX), wrote in The Hill about how TPA puts Congress in charge and improves transparency:

"The Constitution makes it clear that Congress--and only Congress--can change U.S. law. TPA reinforces this restriction by making sure Congress' objectives are known that the outset, instead of relegating its involvement to the end of the process. More importantly, however, it makes sure that the American people are involved in the process and know exactly what any free trade agreement means for them."
Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-TX) wrote an op-ed for FoxNews.com detailing how TPA will advance free markets:

"The potential gains are immense. Estimates have the deals boosting America's economy by at least $200 billion. The agreements would cut taxes on trade, dismantle unfair trade practices, and protect intellectual property rights for American workers and firms. Consumers would benefit from greater product choice and lower prices. Leading on trade also pressures other nations to establish their rules toward U.S. standards--not the other way around."

Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) released a video message to her constituents making the conservative case for TPA:

"The bottom line is this: the United States cannot afford to sit back and let our competitors like China write the rules for global commerce. If we fail to pass this measure, we will be in a weaker position and other countries who don't share our values will profit off of our missed opportunity."

Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) wrote in the Shreveport Times that TPA is the key to unlocking Louisiana's potential:

"As an export-heavy state where trade makes up 1 in 5 jobs, and where trade jobs typically pay 18 percent more on average, the potential benefits for Louisiana are tremendous. Let's not give in to the fear and misinformation campaign from the far left."

Former leaders of Ways and Means also weighed in, writing in Roll Call about why it's imperative the House passes TPA:

"Free trade will promote the prosperity of our great nation, strengthen our economic ties with other nations, promote healthy competition around the globe and allow all nations to realize improved economic opportunity. Long after each of us is gone, the benefits of these decisions will continue to enrich future generations."