Washington, DC - U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman issued the following statement today regarding the introduction in Congress of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014:
“I welcome the introduction of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act. We expect to have a robust conversation on the Hill about how trade agreements should be negotiated and the role of Congress in that process. We're eager to engage directly with Members of the Finance and Ways and Means Committees and with all of Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority legislation that has broad, bipartisan support.
“We need to open markets, support U.S. jobs, increase exports of products Made in America and ensure a level playing field for Americans to compete in the global economy. Trade Promotion Authority will help us accomplish that goal.
“The United States cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. We need to lead and compete. USTR is negotiating agreements in new ways that not will only open markets, but will do a better job of supporting American jobs and reflecting our values around the world - on labor, the environment, access to medicines and other issues.
“The passage of broadly supported, bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority legislation can ensure that Americans reap the benefits of new, high-standard trade agreements.”
