WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement on Thursday from Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French on House passage of a stand-alone Trade Promotion Authority bill, which will provide Congress with new oversight responsibilities over pending and future trade agreements:
“We applaud House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. for their commitment to free and open trade and working with Republicans and Democrats alike to salvage the president’s economic and international trade agenda.
“Today’s vote on trade promotion authority will grant Congress new powers and responsibilities to craft and monitor our 21st century trade policy, and aid our trade representatives as they work to negotiate pending and future trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
“We urge the Senate to quickly consider the stand-alone TPA bill so it can move to the president’s desk for his signature. They should also finish work on other trade-related bills, including trade adjustment assistance and customs and preferences.
“The world is watching the U.S. Congress and our nation’s commitment to free and open trade.”
