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Link <> Trade is important for America for two primary reasons: it means good jobs and a stronger economy. And here’s a fun fact: Texas is the #1 state when it comes to exports! <> Trade is also important because a vast majority of customers live outside of the U.S. – so it’s in our country’s interest to open up overseas markets to American goods and services. <> When it comes to negotiating free trade deals, the President already has the authority to negotiate trade agreements by himself. <> But I believe the American people – through their Congressional representatives – should have a real say on trade. That’s where Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) comes in. TPA empowers Congress when it comes to trade. It enables Congress to hold the President accountable as well as ensure oversight and transparency throughout the trade deal-making process. <> I have gone through TPA, and you can too! TO READ THE TPA BILL IN ITS ENTIRETY: CLICK HERE. <> Also, here are 12 key points to help clarify the differences between Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) – which are two VERY different things: <> 1. TPA (Trade Promotion Authority) is a trade bill Congress is planning to vote on – it is NOT a trade deal or agreement. This bill can be read by the public. <> 2. TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) are trade negotiations involving the U.S. and 11 other countries including Australia and Japan. We are NOT voting on TPP. <> 3. Obama already has the power to negotiate trade deals. Right now he can do so without Congress’ input (like with TPP). I think this is wrong. That’s why TPA is important; it’s all about EMPOWERING CONGRESS when it comes to trade so that there is accountability and transparency from beginning to end. <> 4. The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service has said that TPA grants no new authority to Obama. <> 5. With TPA, Congress sets the trade negotiating objectives. Without TPA (right now), Congress has no say. <> 6. With TPA, Congress can read negotiating texts. Without TPA (right now), Congress can’t do so. <> 7. TPA requires Obama to make public any trade deal 60 days before consenting to it – right now you don’t get to read a deal, which I think is WRONG. TPA changes this and provides transparency. <> 8. If Obama violates TPA, Congress can take it away from him. PERIOD. This provides accountability! <> 9. TPA is TOUGH ON IMMIGRATION. While Obama is already not allowed to make changes to immigration laws through trade bills, I DO NOT TRUST THIS PRESIDENT. That’s why, for good measure, TPA includes language reaffirming that trade agreements can’t include immigration provisions. ALSO, for further good measure the House passed an amendment to the Commerce/Justice/Science Appropriations bill to prevent funds from being used to negotiate or finalize a trade agreement that includes provisions relating to visas. <> 10. The TPA also includes language to ensure U.S. interests and sovereignty will be protected (Sec. 108). <> 11. If we don’t like what Obama has negotiated, we can vote it down. Simple as that! <> 12. With respect to TPP (trade negotiations), it is important to note THREE things about privacy: a. TTP is classified until a deal is reached in order to protect the integrity of our negotiations. Why? U.S. trading partners are only willing to make the best trade offers/concessions to the U.S. if they trust there is discretion in the negotiations. Think it about: when you are buying a car, would you tell the car dealer upfront how much you are willing to spend? Of course not! That’s the case here. We want the best deal for America! <> b. Currently (without TPA), the President can make trade agreements behind closed doors and keep Congress in the dark. <> c. Again, TPA would also require the President to make public any trade deal 60 days before signing it – so YOU can read it and let your representative know how you want them to vote. <> Bottom-line: the only way to hold the President accountable and provide transparency is with TPA. Without TPA, the President can do what he wants behind closed