Newsletter: The Road Ahead On Proposed Trade Agreement

Statement

Iowans have heard a lot of debate about trade agreements and deals, and as in any discussion, there is speculation and there is truth out there. First, what happened recently? On Monday, the United States and 11 other nations reached consensus on a trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). President Obama is expected to send it to Congress and - most importantly - to the American people so they can read it and find out what's in it. All Americans deserve to have their voice heard, which is why I joined my colleagues in Congress earlier this year and demanded an accountable and transparent process.

Back in June, I voted for and Congress passed Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to ensure a transparent process to review the full trade agreement. Now that TPP negotiations are complete, President Obama must send the full trade agreement to Congress. And that is just the first step. The deal cannot be implemented unless Congress passes legislation to approve it along with the other 11 nations involved in the deal.

Once the President sends Congress a "notice of intent," a 90 day waiting period begins - an intentionally lengthy timeline to facilitate a transparent and thoughtful review. Congress has 30 days to consult with the Obama administration on the deal, and then for the first time ever the public has 60 days to also review the trade agreement before Congress can vote up or down on it. The trade pact will be available online during that time for all to read. I will have it on my website so Iowans can weigh in and share their thoughts with me. The approval of TPA created this strict oversight and review process.

The vote on the TPP likely will not happen until early next year. In the meantime, we have a job to do - one I take very seriously. Once the President releases the deal, I will review the text in detail, and look to see how it would impact Iowans and our entire country. I am hopeful it will expand new markets for Iowa products, enhance job opportunities for Iowans, and help grow our economy.

I will be soliciting input from Iowans before making a decision to support or oppose the proposed trade agreement. As you know, each month, I visit all 16 counties in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, and in the months ahead I need to hear from you - Congress has the final say on this agreement and your voice matters.

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