LaMalfa Supports Defining Trade Negotiating Authority

Oroville, CA - Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today voted in favor of a measure defining the trade negotiating authority of the President and requiring Congressional approval of any final trade proposal. The bill, H.R. 1314, passed with strong Republican support, includes 150 requirements for trade negotiations, ensures Congress can reject any agreement, and requires final agreements to be made public before Congressional and Presidential consideration.

"This measure sets strict requirements for trade negotiations, ensuring that Congress can reject any agreement that fails to provide our nation with an economic edge and respect for our laws," said LaMalfa. "Over 4.7 million Californians' jobs rely on trade, so breaking down barriers to foreign markets is essential to our economy. While I maintain concerns about the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is not included in the TPA bill, passing this measure limits the President's authority to only those objectives set by Congress, creates a public review period and allows the House to cancel any deal that doesn't meet those goals."

Addressing transparency concerns, the bill creates requirements that agreements must be made public for 30 days before Presidential consideration, and 60 legislative days before Congressional consideration.

The measure was widely supported by groups such as the American Conservative Union and Citizens Against Government Waste.

As William M. Christian from Citizens Against Government Waste stated, "there is no excuse for any Republican (or Democratic) supporter of free trade to oppose a bill that includes a reasonable insurance policy against executive overreach in trade agreements, which are always a much-needed boon to both the U.S. and global economy."

American Conservative Union: "Free Trade is the essence of pro-growth economics and high tariff policies have always been a barrier to prosperity. Under our system, Trade Promotion Authority is essential to the success of any trade agreement and the American Conservative Union supports the TPA bill."

The Wall Street Journal (Editorial): "Start with the economics, which comes down to whether the U.S. is still going to lead the world or shrink from global competition...These deals invariably benefit the U.S., which tends to have lower tariffs and fewer trade barriers."

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

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