Congressman Young Says No to TPA
Washington, D.C.,
June 12, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Alaska Congressman Don Young today shared the following statement after voting in opposition of legislation in the House to approve Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The legislation passed by a vote of 219 to 211.
“For months, Alaskans have contacted me to express their deep concerns for legislation that would grant ‘fast track’ authority to the President when negotiating trade agreements. While this is not a new issue, it comes at a time when many Americans have lost faith in the actions and proceedings of the federal government and this Administration.
“Many of the conversations surrounding TPA have focused on the merits of free trade, specifically the economic impacts a 12-nation trade agreement could have on the United States and its partner nations. Some have advocated that this type of agreement could put the United States back in the driver’s seat of the global economy, rather than nations like China. Others have claimed an agreement of this magnitude would significantly harm workers and jeopardize our nation’s sovereignty.
“My concern with TPA is much more basic, an issue that stems from the massive power and authority Congress has ceded to the Executive Branch. Many have looked at TPA as a means to achieving a free trade agreement, but I have concerns with the process we are pursuing. While establishing a firm set of trade negotiation objectives could be conducive to expanding and promoting international trade, I do not support extending TPA because it would give away Congress’ leverage to amend or block trade deals. Congress has the exclusive authority to set the terms of trade and I believe it should stay that way.”
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