Dear Mr. Reid, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Boehner, and Ms. Pelosi:
While we may have individual differences as to matters of policy, I believe we can all agree that integrity of process is an important safeguard which, among other things, serves to ensure that Congressional prerogatives are preserved. Process plays a particularly important role with regard to Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) procedures, as under these procedures legislation to implement trade agreements cannot be amended once it is submitted to Congress by the President.
Following the Senate Finance Committee “mock markup" hearing on the draft Korea FTA implementing bill - in which every single Republican member expressed their clear opposition to the inclusion of TAA by Senate Democrats and the Obama administration - the bill was voted out of committee with no Republican support. On the same day, the House Ways and Means Committee voted their version of the draft Korea FTA implementing bill out of committee - a version which did not include TAA.
Reconciling the two bills is the exclusive prerogative of Congress, a prerogative which cannot rightfully be devolved to the Executive branch. Therefore, as Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, it is my expectation that a “mock conference" will be scheduled shortly, thereby providing Congress with the opportunity to present to the President a template for drafting a final implementing bill which has the support of both Houses.
To that end, I formally request that a “mock conference" be scheduled in the near future so that we may continue to uphold our Constitutional role in regulating trade with other nations.
Sincerely,
Orrin G. Hatch Ranking Member Senate Committee on Finance
