Washington, D.C. – Today, National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) President Bill Reinsch issued a statement commending members of the House Ways and Means Committee for approving legislation to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), as well as legislation to extend Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the preferential duty treatment program for Haiti.
“We applaud the House Ways and Means Committee for taking action today on TPA, which provides congressional negotiating objects for the Administration as it continues work on our robust trade agenda and trade agreements that will contribute to U.S. economic growth and jobs.
“With yesterday’s Senate Finance Committee approval, today’s House Ways and Means Committee approval of the bill is welcome news for U.S. businesses and workers, as it signals continued forward movement toward getting the legislation on the President’s desk.
“We also commend the Committee for its approval of legislation extending TAA, AGOA, GSP and the preferential duty treatment program for Haiti – programs that are critical components of U.S. trade policy.
“As the Administration continues negotiating trade agreements that will benefit Americans in all 50 states, Congress must seize the opportunity guaranteed by the Constitution to influence agreements through TPA. We urge the full Senate and House to pass this legislation without delay.”
