Congressman Brady Stands Up for Economic Freedom

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, (R-TX) made the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives prior to the passage of H.R. 2146--Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.

"Thank you, Chairman Ryan for your leadership. Free trade is economic freedom. It's the freedom to buy and sell and compete around the world with as little of government interference as possible. It's really one of the great economic rights of every American. So given the choice between more economic freedom and less, we should always choose more. You know if America doesn't lead in free and fair trade, we'll grow weaker. And our foreign competitors will grow stronger and our factories, and farmers and manufacturers will be priced out and shut down. Texas is made for trade. America is made for trade. It's time through expanded trade to preserve these economic principles that has helped us thrive and grow over the century. And so that's why, Congress flexing its Constitutional muscles, and setting clear rules for future American trade is not just a good thing for America, it's a great thing. I yield back"

Background: TPA guarantees Congress a meaningful role in all trade negotiations and increases transparency over previous versions of the bill by empowering Congress to conduct vigorous oversight and hold the administration accountable while requiring the President to publish the text of a completed trade agreement 60 days before signing it.

TPA also ensures Congress maintains control over changes to U.S. law and provides rules for considering trade agreements and provides an "Off Switch" which allows Congress to turn off the expedited procedures if the administration fails to meet its TPA obligations.

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