House Passes TPA With Reichert Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed the Bipartisan Trade Priorities Act of 2015 as an amendment to U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert’s (WA-8) H.R. 2146, the Defending Public Safety Employees’ Retirement Act. H.R. 2146 originally passed the House during National Police Week but was amended in the Senate. Now, along with the critical trade promotion authority legislation, it will soon be on its way to the President’s desk. It passed the House by a vote of 218 to 208.

Upon passage, Reichert said, “Today is a huge moment for America. Trade promotion authority will allow us to conclude trade agreements that help grow American jobs and help us sell more American goods and services.  The more we sell American, the more high-paying jobs we create here at home. And we know that these jobs pay more - on average 15-20% more. And not only did we pass that out of the House today, we also ensured fairness for federal public safety officials by allowing them to access retirement savings at the age of 50 without being penalized by a 10% tax.  This is only fair since state and local safety officers already have this ability. I spent 33 years in law enforcement, and I know how hard these men and women work to keep us safe. This is a common-sense thing we can do to say ‘thank you’. It is critical that we quickly send this legislation to the President’s desk.”