Efforts to Pass TPA Gain Attention in House

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December 16, 2013

As Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks move toward a conclusion, efforts to pass “Fast Track” Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) are receiving attention from both sides of the aisle.  TPA, which expired in 2007, would grant the President the power to present a trade agreement to Congress for a simple yes or no vote.  In other words, Congress would not be able to amend the agreement once it has been negotiated.  House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) has said passage of TPA is paramount to successful negotiation of TPP and expects to be in a position to pass the legislation in early 2014.

There is, however, a coalition in the House pushing back against Fast Track authority.  In mid-November, 151 Congressmen sent a bipartisan letter to President Obama, expressing concern at provisions included in TPP and decrying TPA as a violation of Article I-8 of the constitution, which grants Congress exclusive authority in regards to trade.  Last week, Representatives Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), and George Miller (D-CA) released a statement opposing its passage, claiming it will “usurp Congress’s authority over trade matters.”  

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