As Congress debates whether to reinstall Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), something that proponents have long advocated for because it creates jobs and has helped improve the nation’s economy, a new poll suggests that Americans recognize the benefits of exporting and importing activity.
“8 in 10 voters say the president and lawmakers should compromise to create more opportunities for free trade.”
Among 1,000 likely voters, 82 percent of respondents said that the president and lawmakers should work together to develop new trade agreements with other countries, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Additionally, nearly three-quarters said that they supported the U.S.’ efforts to seek additional trade agreements and nearly 6 in 10 said that they’d be more inclined to vote for a public office candidate that was supportive of free trade.
Linda Dempsey, NAM vice president of international economic affairs, noted that legislators are supposed to speak for the people they represent, and the electorate has spoken.
“This poll is further evidence that the American people strongly support trade agreements to spur U.S. exports and grow manufacturing,” said Dempsey. “However, to conclude high-standard trade deals that deliver on those goals, Congress must pass Trade Promotion Authority.”
TPA long simmering issue
TPA has long been a power that the president of the United States has had. Congress has routinely passed the measure since the 1970s, but its authority expired in 2007. Ever since then, organizations like NAM, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and dozens of lawmakers have pushed for it to be reinstituted, but it has failed to garner the requisite number of votes. Opponents of TPA say that because it prevents Congress from attaching amendments to free trade agreements, it gives too much power to the president. Supporters counter that TPA actually reaffirms Congress’ constitutional role of oversight, as the president must consult with the full chamber for agreements to pass.
On April 16, Congressional leaders agreed in principle on a bill that would grant President Barack Obama with TPA, otherwise known as fast track, multiple news sources confirmed. However, there is a contingent of lawmakers who have vowed to vote against the measure when the full chamber decides on its fate.
The U.S. Congress will decide the fate of Trade Promotion Authority.“That up-or-down vote is the key,” said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, according to Politico. The Republican senior senator from the Mount Rushmore State is in favor of TPA. “That’s what gives our trading partners the confidence to put their best offers on the table, which allows for a successful conclusion of negotiations.
TPA key to Trans-Pacific Partnership, supporters say
Supporters of TPA say that Obama will be unable to conclude trade negotiations with several countries without the authority that fast track provides. This includes the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that is being hashed out between the U.S., Japan, Vietnam and 10 other countries.
According to The New York Times, industries that would most benefit from TPP include agriculture, technology, pharmaceutical companies, insurers and large manufacturers.