TPA on fast track in Congress

Senate and House finance committees this week marked up the Trade Promotion Authority bill for a full vote.    The House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday favorably advanced legislation that would renew Trade Promotion Authority for the president, whose administration is in the midst of negotiating three major free trade agreements.
   The previous day, the Senate Finance Committee also approved the “Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015,” less than one week after leaders in both Congressional bodies introduced the bill.
   TPA sets parameters for the U.S. negotiating position, but prevents Congress from trying to modify any deals made. Lawmakers have to vote up or down on the entire package.
   The White House is in the stretch run to complete the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement with 11 Pacific Rim nations. U.S. diplomats are also negotiating the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union, as well as a trade services agreement through the World Trade Organization. TPA is considered an essential tool for convincing other nations that any agreement won’t be undermined by U.S. legislators.
   Many labor unions, environmentalists, and progressive elements of the Democratic Party, among others, oppose the trade deals because of concerns that they make it easier for companies to outsource to countries with cheaper labor. Those countries, they argue, are able to maintain lower costs because they don’t adhere to stringent human rights or environmental standards.
   Democratic congressmen Earl Blumenauer of Oregon and Ron Kind of Wisconsin said they support TPA because it sets high standards for future free trade agreements.
   “With 95 percent of the world’s population living outside of our borders, trade done right is the key to creating new, middle-class jobs here in America,” the lawmakers said. “We cannot, however, simply trade for trade’s sake. Strong, enforceable rules, meaningful transparency, and Congressional oversight are critical to leveling the playing field for American workers and businesses as we seek to compete around the globe. That’s why we supported this legislation, and it’s why we’re urging our colleagues to support it as it comes to the floor. It’s time for leaders in both parties to step up and acknowledge the importance of getting the rules of global trade right.
   “This bill creates unprecedented transparency in trade negotiations, and prioritizes human rights, workers’ rights, a healthy environment, and a free and open Internet. The status quo on each of these issues was unacceptable. With tough, new rules and strong enforcement mechanisms to hold our trading partners accountable, we can ensure that our values guide the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world,” added Blumenauer and Kind.
   Industry groups urged House and Senate leaders to quickly schedule a floor vote for TPA. The Trade Benefits America Coalition, which consists of 269 business groups, earlier this week sent letters to both committees expressing strong support for TPA.