U.S. Representative Robert E. Latta Statement on Passage of H.R. 2146, the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities & Accountability Act (TPA)

U.S. Representative Robert E. Latta Statement on Passage of H.R. 2146, the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities & Accountability Act (TPA)
 
Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act (TPA), legislation that mandates the final text of any trade proposal be available online – viewable by the American public - for 60 days before it’s even sent to Congress for its consideration.
 
This new version of TPA includes unprecedented transparency and consultation provisions. Any member of Congress can review the latest negotiating text and personally attend negotiating rounds, and either the House or Senate can remove TPA from a proposed trade agreement should the President fail to comply with the established objectives outlined by Congress.
 
“This bill allows Congress to set trade priorities with clear negotiating objectives, and requires the President to follow them. Should the President not follow these instructions, there is an ‘off switch’: either the House or Senate can remove TPA from applying to a trade agreement,” said Rep. Latta. “This gives us the oversight we need to create trade agreements that level the playing field in the global market, and provide the greatest benefit to the American worker. It is because of all of the safeguards in TPA that I supported the legislation.” 


TPA empowers Congress to demand accountability from the administration. While the President already has the constitutional authority to negotiate a trade agreement, only Congress can change U.S. law. TPA ensures Congress plays a major role throughout negotiations, setting extensive negotiating objectives for the Administration, and providing instruction as to their implementation.
 
 “This Act reaffirms Congress has the final say, and only Congress can change U.S. law, protecting our constituents from trade agreements that are not in their best interests,” Latta continued.  “We have an obligation to the American people to provide the best possible environment to pursue prosperity, and this is only achieved by advancing a robust, focused, and transparent trade policy.”


###