Jason Smith: “Today I rise in support of TPA because trade is too important to southeast and southern Missouri to leave in the hands…”

“Today I rise in support of TPA because trade is too important to southeast and southern Missouri to leave in the hands of this President or any President. TPA would bring more transparency and involvement to the negotiation process and gives Congress more authority over the President. Without TPA, the President can keep Congress and the public in the dark on trade negotiations. Without TPA, the President alone sets the negotiating objectives; without TPA, Members of Congress are not entitled to read the text of negotiating documents during the process; and without TPA, the President does not have to publish updated summaries of trade bills during the negotiations. However, with TPA, Members of Congress can be involved in the negotiation process to get the best deal for our folks back home. With TPA, for the first time ever, all bills negotiated would have to be public for 60 days before Congress votes on them; with TPA, Congress directs the negotiating objectives for trade bills; and with TPA, Members of Congress will have open access to the text anytime they want. Mr. Speaker, we need TPA so that American trade deals can be transparent, effective, and enforceable.”