(Washington, D.C.) – The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today saluted the House of Representatives for Friday’s passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation, the first such authorization likely to become law since 1994.  CCAGW urged immediate approval by the Senate.

“TPA is essential to promoting international trade and markets to American entrepreneurs and businesses,” CCAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “TPA will allow the United States to catch up with other nations, both regionally and internationally,  on trade liberalization.”

“TPA is essential as it gives the president the flexibility to negotiate rapidly and with confidence to reduce duties, tariffs, and quotas,” Schatz continued.  “Unlike other Congressional legislation, amendments serving special interests cannot be tacked on.” 

“America’s current inability to swiftly execute trade agreements harms all Americans because it keeps them and their produce out of the global trading arena,” Schatz also said.  “Unlike other countries or membership blocs such as the European Union, the United States has only agreements with two countries and NAFTA.” 

“The Senate needs to pass this legislation as swiftly as possible.  Trade is what has made America prosperous for centuries and it would be unfortunate during this period of economic malaise if political machinations stalled legislation guaranteed to improve our economic situation,” Schatz added.  “This is particularly true considering recent disagreements with European countries regarding steel tariffs and the new farm bill.”

“Once finalized, TPA will benefit American taxpayers and consumers by opening international free trade between nations with minimal government interference,” Schatz concluded.  “This will reduce the need for expensive and wasteful subsidy programs.  U.S. goods are the best in the world, and more open trade will increase sales, providing greater prosperity for this sluggish economy.”

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation's largest (one million members and supporters) nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.  For more information, see www.cagw.org.