Speaking at a White House news conference with President Obama, French President Francois Hollande emphasized the value of speed when negotiating a U.S.-European Union trade agreement, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. From Reuters:

"As soon as principles have been set, as soon as mandates have been given, speed is not a problem, it's of the essence," Hollande told a joint news conference with President Barack Obama at the White House.

"We have everything to gain from going quickly. Otherwise, we know there would be a pileup of fears, of threats, of anxiety. So, if we are in good faith, if we are all respectful of the other party's position, if we are attached to growth, we can move quickly."

Hollande's remarks reinforced his message in a Washington Post op-ed cowritten with President Obama, "Obama and Hollande: France and the U.S. enjoy a renewed alliance":

The trade and investment partnership that we are pursuing between the European Union and the United States is a major opportunity to build on millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic already supported by U.S.-E.U. trade. Such an agreement would result in more trade, more jobs and more export opportunities, including for small businesses in both of our countries. It would also build a lasting foundation for our efforts to promote growth and the global economic recovery.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed a similar desire for expanded trade at a party meeting Saturday.

ERFURT, Germany—German Chancellor Angela Merkel Saturday expressed strong support for a trans-Atlantic free-trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union, arguing it will help to boost Germany's export strength. "

Despite all difficulties…the chances offered by such a trade accord are much bigger than the risks," Ms. Merkel said at a news conference following a meeting of her Christian Democratic Union's federal board.

"It will pay off to do our utmost for creating a big trade zone with fewer barriers. If we want to be strong economically, we need such trade partnerships."

Obviously, speed should never replace substance in negotiating a trade agreement that's beneficial to all parties. But unnecessary delays mean missed opportunities and even an increased possibility that the talks fall apart.

That's why Congress should pass updated Trade Promotion Authority, giving negotiators AND Congress a more effective role in not just the Transatlantic talks, but also the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.

And, with other leaders like Hollande and Merkel stepping up their call for trade expansion, passing TPA also demonstrates continued U.S. leadership in the world.