New Democrat Coalition Members’ Statement on Introduction of Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015
Members of the New Democrat Coalition released the following statement in reaction to the release of the ‘Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015:”
“A big question we must answer is whether the United States will continue to lead in the global economy. We will carefully examine and weigh the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act to ensure that it reflects a better, smarter approach to 21st century global trade—one that is strong on enforcement; puts labor rights and environmental protections at the forefront; and strengthens Congress’ role in setting trade negotiation priorities and increases public transparency.
We are encouraged by reports that Senator Wyden has secured a number of key improvements to this legislation along the lines of those advocated by Members of the New Democrat Coalition in the weeks and months leading up to the introduction of this bill. The inclusion of negotiating objectives for core, enforceable labor and environmental protections was, and remains, a top priority of New Democrats. We are also encouraged by reports of measures to strengthen Congress’ oversight on the process of formulating America’s trade policy, including boosts to transparency, added Congressional consultation, and provisions that require trade agreements to meet principles set forth in TPA before legislation implementing the agreement is granted expedited floor consideration. These improvements create a new procedure for the House or Senate to stop bad trade agreements.
The package includes a number of New Democrat priorities, including the reauthorization of Trade Adjustment Assistance, legislation to strengthen enforcement of our trade laws and agreements, the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences, as well as other provisions. As we continue to review the bill, we will look to ensure that these priorities are included.
We also encourage the passage of Export-Import Bank Reauthorization and making permanent the State Trade and Export Promotion Program, both of which help American competitiveness and boost trade.
We look forward to reviewing the exact language and working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle as the bill moves through the process. We will support opportunities to improve these bills during markup and will weigh in with our colleagues to make it the strongest bill possible.
We recognize the economic opportunity that fair trade can present – when it’s done in a way that respects core American values. With our 20 FTA partners we have a trade surplus in agriculture, manufacturing and services. American jobs tied to trade pay up to 20 percent more than their non-trade related counterparts. With 95 percent of the world’s population living beyond our borders, global trade will continue to expand with or without American involvement. The United States can use this as an opportunity to set the rules for global trade to level the playing field for our workers and businesses.”
New Democrat Coalition Chair Ron Kind (WI-03); Vice-Chairs Gerry Connolly (VA-11) and Jared Polis (CO-02); Whip John Carney (DE-AL); Trade Taskforce Co-Chairs Rick Larsen (WA-02), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), and Cedric Richmond (LA-02); and Members Mike Quigley (IL-05), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), Jim Cooper (TN-05) and Brad Ashford (NE-02) co-signed this statement.
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