Press Releases

Today, Congressman Huizenga voted in support of Trade Promotion Authority, also known as TPA, to increase congressional oversight and transparency of potential trade agreements negotiated by the President.

“There is a great deal of misinformation surrounding Trade Promotion Authority. TPA is not a trade agreement; rather, it is an important tool that strengthens Congress’ role throughout the trade negotiation process. At the start, TPA sets 150 negotiating objectives for the President to abide by. Once negotiations are completed, TPA requires the potential trade agreement to be available to the public, as well as Congress, for 60 days. This is the first time this level of transparency has ever been required for trade agreements. After the 60 day comment period, both houses in Congress will hold up or down votes to either approve or disapprove the agreement. From start to finish, TPA improves congressional oversight as well as transparency of future trade agreements.

“As companies in West Michigan and across the nation look to expand, they often encounter steep trade barriers. Trade agreements are crafted in order to overcome obstacles to selling more American-made products and services overseas. In order for West Michigan to play a larger role in the global economy, we must establish strong and enforceable rules for our trading partners on important issues like currency manipulation, so American workers are competing on a level playing field. Removing trade barriers will create more opportunity for hardworking Americans and create good-paying jobs here in West Michigan.”

The TPA legislation passed today by the House is available online here.