RELEASE:
Palazzo Stands for American Leadership on Free Trade
Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today regarding House passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA):
“Today we faced a choice between standing with our allies to lead on free trade or retreating from the world stage. Free and fair trade is and has always been a conservative principle, and the United States can either be the world’s leader in trading with our partners across the globe or allow countries like China and Russia to take the mantle of global leadership from us. With today’s vote in support of TPA, I chose American leadership.
“Like many Americans, I do not trust this President. That is exactly why having Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is so important. Without TPA, the President can negotiate in secret however he pleases. However, with TPA in place, Congress sets the objectives of the negotiation, Congress votes on future trade deals, and Congress can block a bad deal if the President makes one. If the president does not fully comply with the standards we set, Congress has the power to kill the agreement on the spot.
“TPA also gives the American people a voice in any trade deal. The public will have access to the final document of any free trade agreement for at least 60 days. In Mississippi, our manufacturers support TPA, our three Mississippi ports support it, our shipbuilders support it, and our business leaders support it.
“Make no mistake, my vote for TPA is in no way a vote to pass TPP or any other trade deal. I will fully review any trade agreement before making a decision to either support or oppose it, and I will not vote for any agreement that would be bad for the United States or South Mississippi. ”
“Unfortunately, Nancy Pelosi and her liberal allies used procedural tricks to bring down the TPA for now. She worked to defeat her own president at the behest of her union bosses and played to the fear and outright falsehoods being spread by some in the media. I hope over the coming days the president can convince his former allies to change their opinion because having TPA in place will ensure that the United States remains the world leader in free and fair trade.”
The following local organizations strongly support Trade Promotion Authority: Area Development Partnership of Hattiesburg, Gulf Coast Business Council, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission, Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Manufacturers Association, Port of Gulfport, Port of Pascagoula, Hancock Chamber, Mississippi Farm Bureau.
6/12/15
Magnolia Tribune
