This Week Critical to Support TPA

Late last week, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, Ranking Member Ron Wyden, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan introduced the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, legislation that will renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).  

Thjs Chamber, the U.S Chamber and many of you have been outspoken in favor renewing TPA, which is needed to achieve high-quality trade deals that open markets, benefit American workers and job creators, and grow the economy. (A multi-industry letter, which lists nearly 300 organizations from all 50 states weighing in on behalf of TPA was delivered to Capitol Hill this morning.)

As Senate and House leadership, and President Obama lead a bi-partisan effort to pass this legislation, several important hearings have been scheduled this week on Capitol Hill.  U.S. Chamber President & CEO Tom Donohue will testify before the Senate Finance Committee this morning; this will be followed by a Senate Finance Committee mark-up tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22.  On the House side, Ways and Means has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday morning, and a mark-up may be held as early as Thursday.  Strong votes out of committee are crucial to building momentum in advance of Floor consideration.

Voicing your support with your Congressional delegation in support of this TPA legislation is critical, this week particularly to Senators on the Senate Finance Committee and Representatives on the House Ways and Means.  A comprehensive library of resources making the case for TPA can be found below, including a link to send a letter.

Suggested talking points for a phone call to Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Members might be along the lines of:

-          Exports are critical to our state and community, which is why we are supportive of our nation’s robust trade agenda.

-          As your committee looks at these issues this week, we urge you to support the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 -  bipartisan legislation to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) that was introduced last week by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI).

-          TPA not only gives Congress a seat at the table in our on-going trade negotiations, it gives Congress the final say on a trade agreement in an up or down vote.

-          Growth and jobs in our state depends on our ability to sell our goods and services to the 95% of the world’s customers that live outside the United States. TPA will help us seize the benefits of trade.

-          We urge you to support the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act as introduced.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, and please let us know what you learn in your outreach to your Members of Congress.