Source:  US Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10th), 6/14/15


Trade Promotion Authority Passes the House

This Friday the House took an important step for transparency and Congressional oversight with House passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Due to Democratic intransigence, the underlying legislation that would send TPA to the President's desk for a signature did not pass. However I remain hopeful that in the coming days, President Obama will work with the members of his own party to find a path forward for this vital legislation. This is a bill designed to open a sometimes secretive process to Congress and--more importantly--the American people.

Why Trade Promotion Authority?
Over the last few weeks there has been a great deal of misinformation spread about Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and what it does. Trade Promotion Authority is ultimately a vote for increased Congressional oversight and transparency. Without it, President Obama can negotiate trade agreements on his own and bring them for a Congressional vote without ANYONE having read them. TPA opens up the process. It allows Congress to set the ground rules for these negotiations, ground rules that, for example, prevent items like immigration or climate change from being a part of the negotiations. If the President attempts to include a controversial initiative, TPA allows Congress to end the process.

Additionally TPA ensures that members of Congress have access to the negotiations as they move forward, allowing them to attend negotiating rounds or view detailed notes from them if they cannot attend. If a trade agreement is agreed to, TPA requires that the final agreement be publicized for AT LEAST 60 days. This means if you have an internet connection, you can read the ENTIRE agreement. Finally, TPA demands Congress have an up or down vote on the final agreement.

In my eyes, these last two aspects are why we MUST have TPA. It allows you and me to read the entirety of any trade agreement, consider its benefits, and--only then--make a decision on whether or not to support it. TPA is not about ceding power to the President, its the exact opposite. It ensures you and I have a decisive role and say in this vital process.