Statement by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on Passage of Trade Promotion Authority

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker issued the following statement today on the passing of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  

“I want to thank Members of Congress in both parties who came together on behalf of America’s workers and our businesses by authorizing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).  Today’s vote will allow our country to negotiate and finalize modern, high-standard trade agreements that reflect our values and ideals, including in the Asia-Pacific and Europe. TPA will help American businesses and workers better compete in the 21st century economy by opening up and expanding opportunities in new markets.

We need these new trade agreements to enable U.S. companies and workers to thrive in the fiercely competitive and interconnected global economy. America’s prosperity is directly tied to our ability to reach new markets and new customers. Too often, U.S. companies lack equal access to the 96 percent of the world’s customers that live beyond our borders. Leveling the playing field for our workers and opening markets for American companies of all sizes are the central forces that drive President Obama’s trade agenda, which will spur economic growth and create jobs.

I commend the Senate and House of Representatives for also passing Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). TAA will ensure that workers affected by globalization have access to critical resources such as job-training in order to gain skills to compete in the 21st century. And with a 10-year extension of AGOA, we are reaffirming the importance of deeper and expanded U.S. trade and investment ties with sub-Saharan Africa. I look forward to Congress agreeing in the coming weeks on strong trade enforcement legislation that enhances the tools available to address unfair trading practices.

Passing this legislation is an important step, and I want to commend leaders in Congress from both parties for their tireless efforts to pass Trade Promotion Authority. I look forward to working with them and others in the Administration as we complete and implement these new trade agreements.”