Final Trade Vote Sends Strong Signal to Markets, Investors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news of a final vote on a trade promotion authority (TPA) bill. The bill, which will grant the president the authority to negotiate trade agreements with other countries, is a huge boost for our economy, U.S. businesses, and workers.

"Passing the trade bill is the easy part," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber president and CEO. "Now U.S. negotiators must create trade deals that promote our products, help our farmers and workers, and get our economy back on track."

Trade promotion authority will give the administration the negotiating power to forge trade deals with other nations that cannot be changed by the U.S. Congress — they can only vote up or down. Opening markets around the world is one of the biggest priorities for Chamber members. The Chamber has focused attention and built support for passage of TPA through a variety of efforts, including lobbying, grassroots activity, trade education events, plant tours, issue ads, and broad-based communication efforts.

"A vote for TPA is a vote for American small businesses," said Donohue. "At last, lawmakers have seen the light and have decided to restore America's leadership role in global trade."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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