Washington – Business Roundtable, representing CEOs of U.S. companies from every sector of the economy, commends the Senate Finance Committee for its bipartisan approval of a bill that would update and renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Modernizing TPA is a top priority for Business Roundtable.
“We commend Senators Hatch and Wyden for their leadership in guiding this important bill through the Committee,” said Tom Linebarger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cummins Inc., and Chair, Business Roundtable International Engagement Committee. “The bipartisan vote by the Senate Finance Committee sends a strong signal to the full Senate: TPA will help support American jobs and spur economic growth across the nation. We urge the Senate to take up the bill and pass it without delay.”
The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 modernizes the 2002 TPA law, providing an important opportunity for Congress and the President to shape a strategic vision and goals for U.S. trade policy.
“The case for TPA is clear,” said Linebarger. “TPA provides the negotiators who represent America the leverage to make trade deals that best serve the U.S. economy. We encourage the Senate to take action now on TPA to ensure that the current and future trade deals maximize opportunities for American businesses, farmers, workers and consumers. We urge Senate leadership to seize this moment by scheduling a floor vote on this legislation as soon as possible.”
As part of its TPA advocacy efforts, Business Roundtable leads the Trade Benefits America Coalition, a broad-based alliance of more than 250 business and agricultural associations and companies dedicated to the pursuit of U.S. trade agreements and passage of modernized TPA. To learn more, visit www.tradebenefitsamerica.org.
Business Roundtable released an economic growth agenda earlier this year that includes tax reform, expanded trade opportunities, immigration reform, fiscal stability and infrastructure investment. Learn more about the Business Roundtable position on Trade Promotion Authority here and our 2015 growth agenda here.