Business Roundtable Hails Introduction of Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Bill

America’s Business Leaders Urge Swift Congressional Approval of TPA Legislation to Advance U.S. Trade Agreements

Washington – Business Roundtable, representing CEOs of U.S. companies from every sector of the economy, today commended Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) for their introduction of a bipartisan bill to update and renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Approval of legislation to modernize TPA is a top priority for Business Roundtable.

“The United States is currently pursuing one of the most robust and diverse trade agendas in many years, so we urge Congress and the President to work together to enact TPA legislation as soon as possible,” said Tom Linebarger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cummins Inc., and Chair, Business Roundtable International Engagement Committee.

“Trade Promotion Authority strengthens the hands of U.S. negotiators and will help ensure the best possible outcome in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Trade in Services Agreement and future trade deals. These trade agreements provide enormous benefits to the United States by increasing the number of consumers for the products made in our country.”

Updating the 2002 TPA law also provides an important opportunity for Congress and the President to work together to shape a strategic vision and goals for U.S. trade policy.

“Creating opportunities for American companies to reach customers through 21st century trade agreements can help fuel our economy and keep the United States globally competitive,” Linebarger said. “Passing TPA as soon as possible is critical to helping create new trade and growth opportunities for the U.S. economy, supporting jobs for American workers and farmers and strengthening communities across the United States.”

As part of its TPA advocacy efforts, Business Roundtable leads theTrade Benefits America Coalition, a broad-based alliance of more than 250 business and agricultural associations and companies dedicated to the pursuit of U.S. trade agreements and passage of modernized TPA. To learn more, visit www.tradebenefitsamerica.org.

Business Roundtable released an economic growth agenda earlier this year that includes tax reform, expanded trade opportunities, immigration reform, fiscal stability and infrastructure investment. Learn more about the Business Roundtable position on Trade Promotion Authority here and our 2015 growth agenda here.