Issue Position: Trade
Issue Position
Trade is one of the cornerstones of America's relationship with other nations. Trade promotes economic freedoms, helps alleviate poverty, and builds more prosperous neighbors and better relationships between countries.
Throughout my service in the House of Representatives, I have been very active in trade and foreign relations matters. I believe that these critical issues will bolster Texas' economic resurgence and will be vital in America's economic recovery. I will continue to fight to open foreign markets to American goods and services and to ensure that American consumers enjoy the benefits of imports.
I am a strong proponent of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). FTAs remove barriers to free market competition, and they also offer improved dispute resolution opportunities to work out future disagreements. They generate opportunities and jobs for U.S. workers and businesses and provide access to affordable products for consumers. In all, 38 million American jobs are supported by trade. Specifically, U.S. goods and services exports supported an estimated 9.8 million jobs in 2012. Additionally, US jobs supported by goods exports pay 13-18% more than the US national average, meaning that not only does a free trade agenda create jobs, but it also creates good paying jobs.
Trade Promotion Authority
Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) plays an essential role in jumpstarting our trade agenda and restoring U.S. leadership globally. TPA is the legislative vehicle that allows the executive branch to negotiate with other countries on trade agreements. It also includes negotiating objectives to guide the Administration and important procedural guarantees and required consultations with Congress to ensure that the legislative branch has appropriate oversight over the process. If properly designed, TPA is an effective way to expand trade and economic freedom. Congress should reauthorize TPA so that America can continue to advance open markets and secure the benefits of trade.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a comprehensive, ambitious trade agreement covering the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. It is vital that the United States have active trade partnerships with rapidly growing countries on both sides of the Pacific in a partnership that tackles both traditional trade barriers as well as new 21st century dilemmas in trade.
The US-EU Free Trade Agreement
America needs a comprehensive trade and investment agreement with the European Union. Our relationship with the UE makes up the largest economy relationship on the globe, with 50% of global GDP, 30% of world trade, and $2.7 billion traded daily. A comprehensive commitment to a free trade agenda between these two entities would be a boon to economic growth and openness between the two largest economies in the world.
I believe these trade agreements will enhance economic growth, foster democracy and stability, build alliances to help us in other negotiations and ultimately raise the standard of living for all parties involved.
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