(Hartford) – Today, Congressman John B. Larson joined several Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Barack Obama regarding the reauthorization of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). In their letter, the Members state:


“Any new proposed Trade Promotion Authority must reflect the changing nature of international trade and ensure that Congress plays a more meaningful role in the negotiating process than in the 2002 TPA.

“Any proposed negotiating authority should help our country and its workers better compete in the modern global economy. A new TPA should include incentives to help keep well-paying jobs at home, and to help spur new American innovation and job creation across all sectors of our economy.

“A new TPA should also include a reauthorization of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs to help retrain workers impacted by changing global trade and by the implementation of trade agreements. Finally, any new TPA should strengthen our trade laws and adequately fund our trade enforcement agencies so that we can hold other countries accountable and ensure they adhere to their commitments and provide fair market access.”


Since the 1930's, Congress has delegated authority to the President to enter into trade agreements with foreign nations, with this authority being modified by Congress over the years to keep up with the changing nature of international trade. The most recent TPA expired in 2007. President Obama requested renewed TPA on July 30, 2013.

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