TPA is all about empowering Congress and the American people when it comes to trade

On June 11th and 12th, 2015 the U.S. House of Representatives voted on several trade bills: H.R. 1295, Trade Preferences Extension; H.R. 1314, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA); H.R. 1314, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA); and H.R. 644, Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement.

After the conclusion of the four votes, I made the following statement regarding my vote for Trade Promotion Authority:

I don’t trust this President as far as I can throw him. I’ve opposed the President at every turn...The very last thing I would ever do is give this President any more power. But TPA doesn’t do that. On the contrary, TPA is all about empowering Congress and the American people when it comes to trade. Because right now, the President can not only negotiate a deal but also leave Congress in the dark – and I think this is WRONG. TPA changes all that. With TPA Congress sets the trade negotiating objectives – not the President. With TPA the President can’t hide what he is doing. The President must present to the American people any trade deal before Congress can even consider it. Fundamentally, TPA is about accountability, transparency, and America getting the best trade deal. I don’t know about you, but I want to ensure We The People have a real say on trade.

This is also about jobs. Texas is the #1 state for exports, and with trade exports come jobs. In fact, 3,000,000 jobs are dependent on trade in Texas. That is another reason why I support TPA. In addition to keeping Obama in check, I will not turn my back on all the workers, farmers, and ranchers in Collin County whose livelihoods’ depend on trade. It’s why I will not stand with Nancy Pelosi and the Elizabeth Warrens of the world who would rather have the U.S. lose out on jobs by having the U.S. sit on the trade sidelines. It’s why I refuse to subscribe to the politics of paranoia and fear of the naysayers, even if it would do me political good. As a former POW, American patriot, and constitutional conservative, I’ve always been committed to doing what is right for God and country. And in this case it is standing up for free trade, jobs, and holding President Obama accountable.

I voted in support of H.R. 1295, Trade Preferences Extension; H.R. 1314, TPA; and H.R. 644, Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement. I opposed H.R. 1314, TAA.

To read TPA (a public bill) in its entirety, CLICK HERE.