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Extending the TPA debate in the U.S. Senate

A Democratic Senator hopes to put the brakes on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) by extending the debate in the U.S. Senate.

Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio says he’s not opposed to trade, but with American jobs on the line, the Senator says it’s important to have an open and informed debate on trade policy.

“If we give Trade Promotion Authority to the Transpacific Pacific Partnership, TPP and for TTIP, the EU, US agreement we’re talking about more than 60 percent of the world’s GDP at stake, that means millions of American jobs are on the line, ” said Brown. “It’s too important to rush through with little debate, without considering important amendments to protect American workers.”

In leading the charge opposed to TPA, Brown has introduced a number of amendments to improve trade policies that will benefit among other sectors, agriculture.

“I know a better trade policy will mean more money in people’s pockets, so they can buy more agricultural produce,” the Senator said. “I want more exports for Ohio agriculture and I want more prosperity is the cities that will make us a wealthier, more prosperous, fairer country.”

Senator Brown, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee outlined three critical amendments to TPA. The amendments would:

1. Prevent China from joining TPP without congressional approval.
2. Level the playing field for American workers and industries.
3. Crack down on currency manipulation.