Erik Paulsen: “In the State of the Union Address, the President outlined some areas where common ground can be found to work with…”

“In the State of the Union Address, the President outlined some areas where common ground can be found to work with Congress. One important area is trade. I agree with the President that we should move forward on trade agreements to create jobs for our workers as we expand exports to help our manufacturers, our ranchers, and our farmers. With the Trans- Pacific Partnership agreement, we will allow American companies to sell our goods and services in the emerging markets of Asia and create jobs here at home. A new trade agreement with Europe to help streamline and modernize standards and regulations will level the playing field for American companies. Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States, and these trade agreements will give us the opportunity to build on the success that we already enjoy. In Minnesota, 750,000 jobs are directly connected to international trade. It is time for the President and the Congress to move forward on a robust trade agenda to help create a healthier economy. ____________________”