Washington, DC - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) commented today on the expected June 30 expiration of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), also known as fast-track negotiating authority, which allows the President to negotiate trade agreements subject to an up or down vote in Congress. The Finance Committee has jurisdiction over U.S. trade policy, including any law to renew and improve TPA.
“I have always said that it is more important to get trade promotion authority done right than to get it done fast.
“Fast track renewal must respond to Americans’ real concerns about the potential effects of trade and globalization. We must strengthen labor and environmental protections and requirements for Congressional involvement. Fast-track must be a more powerful jobcreating tool for American workers and businesses.
“There are many pressing trade policy matters before the Finance Committee now, from pending trade agreements to a much-needed renewal and expansion of Trade Adjustment Assistance for American workers to initiatives to improve enforcement of our existing trade agreements and laws. Certainly, the status of the Doha trade talks does not demand immediate action on fast-track. The Finance Committee will turn to Trade Promotion Authority at an appropriate time in the future."
Source: Ranking Member’s News
