Cramer Statement on Release of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement Text

Statement

Congressman Kevin Cramer today released the following statement after President Obama's Administration released the full text of the recently negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement (TPP). It is a trade agreement between the United States and 11 other Pacific nations designed to foster free trade between the signatory nations. View the agreement here.

Passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) earlier this year instituted a number of requirements on the administration during the trade agreement process. TPA ensures Congress and the American people are able to view the text of any trade agreement, like TPP, before a vote is taken. This transparency ensures Congress is able to understand the impact of any agreement by letting their constituents review the deal. Additionally, TPA ensures Congress must pass implementing legislation before TPP can take effect in the United States. International trade is a critical component of the U.S. economy, with approximately 96 percent of the world's consumer's residing outside of the United States. In North Dakota, over 100,000 jobs are dependent upon trade and North Dakota's exports have grown from $1 billion in 2004 to $5.29 billion in 2014. While I am currently undecided on TPP, I will continue to scrutinize the agreement over the coming months so I can make an informed decision when I cast my vote. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to review the agreement online and contact me with any questions on the deal. Throughout the review process, my office will share updates and additional information on the agreement as they become available.

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