Ad Campaign, Letter to Senators Start Over Spring Recess

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce began the final push to secure a Senate vote on trade promotion authority (TPA) with an multi-state radio ad campaign and a letter to every senator signed by more than 200 state and local chambers of commerce and dozens of American chambers of commerce abroad.

"In too many places, American-made goods and services face unfair barriers," the English- and Spanish-language ads — which begin running this week — point out. "Trade promotion authority can give President Bush the power he needs to knock down foreign barriers and open up more markets."

"Senators must hear that a vote for TPA is a vote for American small businesses and their workers," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber president and CEO. "We will mobilize pro-business activists across the country to educate lawmakers, challenge the nay-sayers and tell the good story about trade."

The U.S. Chamber sent a letter to the Hill today, signed by 213 state and local chambers of commerce and 35 American chambers of commerce abroad, urging the Senate to swiftly consider — and pass — TPA.

The Chamber has focused attention and built support for passage of TPA through a variety of efforts primarily outside the Beltway, including: trade education events with state and local chambers, governors, and small businesses; lobbying fly-ins by Chamber members; grassroots and grasstops activity; issue ads; and other communication efforts.

"We are sending a clear message to the Senate," Donohue said. "American companies and their workers are watching this debate. We can compete and win in the global economy, but we need trade promotion authority to do it."

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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