and this just in, sports fans! CHARLES E. GRASSLEY WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1501 721 FEDERAL BUILDING 210 WALNUT STREET DES MOINES, IA 50309-2140 (515) 288-1145 120 FEDERAL BUILDING 320 6TH STREET SIOUX CITY, IA 51101-1244 (712) 233-1860 210 WATERLOO BUILDING 531 COMMERCIAL STREET WATERLOO, IA 50701-5497 (319) 232-6657 Thank you for taking the time to contact me. As your Senator, it is important for me to know what issues concern you. I appreciate receiving your thoughts on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). As a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, which is the Senate committee with primary jurisdiction over international trade matters, I have heard from numerous experts on a wide variety of trade matters, including the overall impact of our trade policies on American workers. The bulk of the input that I have received has convinced me that open trade policies are in our country’s interest and in Iowa’s interest in particular. The proposed TPP could create significant new market opportunities for the United States. According to the Congressional Research Service, Asia accounts for nearly 60% of global GDP and roughly 50% of international trade. There has also been a 400% increase in global investment in the region since 1990. The TPP also has the potential to have numerous positive affects in our state because of Iowa’s large market for exports. In fact, Iowa leads the nation in corn, soybean, and feed grain exports. In 2010, over 2,500 mostly small to medium sized companies exported goods from Iowa locations. Over $14.5 billion dollars were exported from Iowa in 2012 to 187 countries around the world. The largest markets for Iowa’s exports are in Canada, Mexico, and Japan, all of whom are engaged in TPP negotiations. Economically, it makes sense to engage this region to further increase our economic output. You also mentioned your thoughts regarding Trade Promotion Authority, or TPA. TPA is a unique tool Congress uses to allow the executive branch to negotiate international trade agreements. When the executive branch is negotiating trade agreements, they are required to keep Congress informed of new developments. They are also required to meet the trade goals set by Congress in the TPA bill. In order to help the economy grow, I believe Congress should reinstate Trade Promotion Authority. The expansion of our markets through trade agreements is beneficial for U.S. farmers and businesses. The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014 also known as TPA, was introduced to the Senate on January 9, 2014 by Senators Max Baucus and Orrin Hatch. This bill would require Congressionally-approved negotiating objectives and rules for the Administration to follow when engaged in trade talks. The bill also clearly outlines the requirements for Congressional consultations and access to information before, during, and after negotiations that ensure a transparent process for the public. I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate and the Administration consider the TPP and TPA. As your Senator, I will continue to work on behalf of Iowans to ensure our international trade agreements work for Iowa and the United States. Again, thank you for taking the time to notify me of your concerns. I appreciate knowing your views and urge you to stay in touch. Sincerely, chuck the biggest pot warrior of them all wants me to know that he will protect me with the TPA
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 22:44:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015