Flores Votes to Strengthen Trade

Statement

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement after passage of TPA:

"Trade is essential to American jobs and economic oppurtunities for families in Texas and to the 17th Congressional District. Our district is home to over 76,000 trade related jobs. As a strong supporter of free trade and open markets, trade agreements must be transparent and include strong and enforceable rules that allow our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, workers and exporters to compete on a level playing field with other nations.

"With today's passage of TPA, the House acted to add transparency and accountability to trade negotiations. Like many Americans, I do not trust our president; however, through TPA, Congress is able to oversee and restrict the president's power to negotiate trade deals. It allows Congress to set the priorities for trade agreements and requires the administration to make completed trade agreements public for 60 days before approval. Additionally, it sets up mechanisms for Congress to turn off the expedited procedures if the administration fails to meet its TPA obligations. TPA allows us to set the parameters for key trade agreements which can pave the way for a more prosperous economic future for hardworking Americans.

"I must be clear; my vote for TPA was not a vote to for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). TPP is a trade deal that is still being negotiated. TPA would allow Congress to set the parameters for this trade deal with the accountability and transparency requirements in place as negotiations continue. TPP may be voted on in some point in the future if the president follows the strict parameters set forth in TPA."

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