Press Release: NSBA and SBEA Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 10, 2014
Contact:
Molly Brogan
202-552-2904
Washington, D.C. – The National Small Business Association (NSBA) and its international trade arm—the Small Business Exporters Association (SBEA)—applauds the bipartisan leaders from both the House and Senate who jointly introduced Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation that will put in place the necessary mechanisms and special procedures for the negotiation, consideration, and implementation of trade agreements.
NSBA praises Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), ranking member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) for introducing the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014 which will restore the president’s authority to negotiate trade deals by including strict requirements for Congressional consultations and access to information. TPA was last renewed in 2002 and expired in 2007.
“It is critical the president has the authority to negotiate trade agreement through TPA, as it will help provide new economic opportunities for American businesses, farmers, workers and consumers,” stated NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. “New and expanded market access through trade agreements has been an important catalyst for increased small business exports.”
The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014 addresses many of the trade challenges facing the U.S. in the global marketplace, including: competition from state-owned enterprises; localization barriers to trade; and restrictions on cross-border data flows.
“The U.S. is now working on two trade deals of historic size—one with twenty-eight countries of the European Union, another with an assortment of Pacific-Rim nations,” said David Ickert of Air Tractor, Inc. in Olney, Texas, a former chair of both NSBA and SBEA. “Each of these negotiations has the potential to significantly transform world trade patterns and provide unprecedented growth opportunities for the U.S. and the global economy. TPA is a crucial step for advancing these agreements as they will lower foreign barriers to our exports and produce a more level playing field—especially for small exporters.”
NSBA and SBEA urge Congress and the administration to act swiftly to move the legislation forward with bipartisan support.
Celebrating more than 75 years in operation, NSBA is a staunchly nonpartisan organization advocating on behalf of America’s entrepreneurs. NSBA’s 65,000 members represent every state and every industry in the U.S., and we are proud to be the nation’s first small-business advocacy organization. Please visit www.nsba.biz.
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