Opposition to Trade Deal Could Hinder Economic Growth
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For Immediate Release
May 12, 2015
Media Contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Josh Rivera, 202-763-4428
Opposition to Trade Deal Could Hinder Economic Growth
(Washington D.C.) – Today the Senate is expected to vote on whether to debate legislation that would strengthen the president’s authority to negotiate trade agreements. President Obama has spoken clearly about the importance of opening new markets to U.S. exports, while also ensuring that American consumers have access to quality goods and services at competitive prices. The president has faced weeks of criticism from union leaders and others in his own party who fear that American workers and the country as a whole may not be able to compete effectively. Leaders of both parties have come together in support of Trade Promotion Authority legislation, which would simplify Congressional review of trade deals with other nations guaranteeing that any accord would be subject to a congressional vote, while preventing it from being picked apart by special interests as part of the review process.
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:
“The facts are clear: American workers and American consumers win when we remove the tax and regulatory barriers that special interests throw up to block consumer choice. Expanding trade by removing those artificial barriers helps raise our standard of living, and fuel economic growth. Providing trade promotion authority to the president will help the economy through greater trade, while still ensuring Congress the opportunity to review any future deal, and reject it if it moves us in the wrong direction. We should not allow demagoguery and misinformation to stop progress and hurt families. Ninety-six percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States. To be a part of a growing world economy, the United States has no choice but to engage with other nations through trade. Ultimately the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) couldincrease U.S. exports by $123.5 billion – but only if the president has the authority to negotiate that deal. Lawmakers should come together on this important, bipartisan initiative.”
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Josh Rivera, 202-763-4428.
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