Rep. Blumenauer Statement on TPA, TAA and Customs Legislation

Washington, DC – Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statements on H.R. 1314, the Trade Act of 2015, and H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, voted on in the House today.

Trade Promotion Authority (TPA):

“Real progress was made to establish the progressive framework we need for future trade agreements. Trade done right is important to the Oregon economy and critical to creating more jobs here at home and increasing value for consumers.

“The TPA passed today will pull back the curtain and deliver unprecedented transparency in trade negotiations. For the first time in history, it will require that all future trade deals promote human rights, workers’ rights and include stronger and fully enforceable environmental protections. Through TPA, Oregon will not only be able to export more of its products, but also its values.”

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA):

“The failure of TAA was Congress at its worst. American workers hurt by trade rely on TAA to gain the training and skills they need to adapt and thrive. This important program has historically received broad Democratic support. In fact, 125 Democrats voted for a shorter, weaker TAA package in 2011. But today, political gamesmanship within our party won out over substance.

"I voted for this TAA package because the policy was right. I am hopeful we will find a path forward. When considered again next week, I urge my colleagues to look at the merits of the program, and not for opportunities to score points.”

Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act:

“I voted no on H.R. 644. This bill should be about helping American businesses export more with greater efficiency, and enhancing our ability to hold foreign trade cheats accountable. Instead, it cuts corners on what matters most to America’s exporters and those undercut by bad actors abroad. It gives special attention to the fringe paranoia of the Republican caucus. The bill includes harmful language on immigration, climate change, short efforts to deal with human trafficking and currency, and reverses longstanding U.S. policy towards Israel and settlements.

“I want to support a customs bill because trade is critical to my state of Oregon, and increased efficiency at the border and enforcement abroad is a win-win for everyone. This bill is unseemly politics, with destructive concessions to the majority party’s fringe elements and little accommodation for those of us willing to engage, working to create a stronger trade package.

“There is still a chance to get this right. I’m hopeful that through the conference process, the harmful provisions will fall off. I will also work to ensure my legislation that was included in the Senate-passed bill that would allow the United States to more effectively enforce and implement its trade agreements to bolster environmental protections – Green 301 and STRONGER Acts – will remain in the final package. As I work for that outcome, I will reserve final judgment on the package completed.”