Reichert: TPA Legislation a Momentous Step Forward

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8), a senior member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade issued the following statement after today's introduction of trade promotion authority legislation in both the House and the Senate:

"Today’s introduction of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 marks a momentous step forward for US trade policy. As a long-time proponent of high-standard trade agreements that bring more jobs and more business to our workers, growers, and manufacturers, I know that we need passage of this legislation to make this priority a reality. Right now, we are negotiating agreements, like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which represent huge opportunities for my home state.  Not only will this  bill give Congress the tool to ensure that we get the best deals in our trade agreements, it will allow us to set the parameters for consultation between the Administration and Congress. This guarantees that we have a voice on behalf of our constituents throughout the negotiating process. I look forward to working with the Chairman and my colleagues on both side of the aisle to bring this legislation to the floor."