Pete Sessions: “I rise this morning in support of a rule which would allow for an up- or-down vote in the House on the Senate amendment…”

“I rise this morning in support of a rule which would allow for an up- or-down vote in the House on the Senate amendment to H.R. 1295, the Trade Preferences Extension Act, so that it can be considered by the full House; and, if the bill passes, it will head to the President's desk along with the trade promotion authority for the President's signature. This bill that would be considered after passage of this rule renews the Generalized System of Preferences program, extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and reauthorizes Trade Adjustment Assistance, known as TAA. The activity on the floor of the House today represents a promise to Congress made by Speaker Boehner and Senate Majority Leader McConnell. After House Democrats voted down TAA last week, the House considered and passed TPA, with a bipartisan majority, and sent it to the Senate. In the meantime, the Speaker and the Senate majority leader promised that they would ensure that both TPA and TAA receive votes in the House and the Senate. As promised, here we are today. The Senate yesterday delivered it, when it passed TPA 60-38, which is now headed to the President's desk for his signature. The Senate also passed the Senate amendment to H.R. 1295, which will be considered today under the rule which we are speaking about. The final legislative step is for the House to consider the Trade Preferences Extension Act, and that is exactly what the rule will do.…”