Sessions: When America Competes Globally, America Wins; Says While There Is More Work to Be Done, Passage of TPA Language a “Win” for America

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), chairman of the House Rules Committee, today issued the following statement on the House’s approval of Trade Promotion Authority language to ensure the Congress has the authority to oversee trade deals introduced by the president, which he was instrumental in helping to enact:

“Democrats chose today to take down their own worker protection program, a policy they have strongly supported for nearly 50 years. Because of this, our work on this issue is not over, but I am proud of the work my colleagues have done to pass TPA, and I look forward to using the tools at the House’s disposal to get this important measure to the president’s desk.

“I supported TPA today because I do not trust this president.  President Obama has overstepped his constitutional authority many times, which is precisely why taking up the TPA language was so important.  The president already possesses inherent authority to negotiate trade agreements with other countries on his own.  This means that without TPA, Congress and the American people would have been stuck on the sidelines. Today’s passage of the TPA portion of the bill proves we can look forward to another century led by American values, principles, practices and successes when it comes to trade.

“I am also pleased that this package incorporated language I worked with Congressman Steve King to include that would ensure no trade deals require changes to current immigration law. With this language, this president – or any future president – will not be able to take yet another good bill and use it as an opportunity to insert his unlawful, unwise and unconstitutional amnesty agenda. It also includes safeguards against changes to current law in the areas of climate change, currency and American sovereignty.

“In short, TPA will ensure good trade agreements, economic prosperity, a commitment to the rule of law and good-paying jobs. At a time when our friends around the world have asked for our leadership, we have answered. At a time when our enemies want to say we are in decline, we have proven them wrong. And at a time when greater opportunities for retailers, businesses and consumers are needed, we have delivered.”

More information on the three trade bills, H.R. 1295, H.R. 644 and H.R. 1314, may be found here

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Created:
Jun 12, 2015