Payne, Jr. Statement on “Fast Track” Trade Promotion Authority Vote

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) made the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed “fast track” trade promotion authority (also known as TPA):

“I applaud my colleagues who voted against ‘fast track’ trade promotion authority (also known as TPA). Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to make the vote in a timely manner.

“After listening to the many concerns of my constituents, I would have unequivocally voted against ‘fast track’—as I did last week—because it places significant limits on Congress’s ability to ensure that any trade agreement is in the best interest of our workers and our economic interests.

“Congress has a responsibility to fully engage in trade negotiations in order to bring transparency and accountability to the process, and to protect against sweeping trade deals that lack safeguards to protect American workers.

“I believe that trade is fundamental to a strong economy, but it must be fair. That means any deal must protect American jobs and workers, increase wages, and protect against barriers to trade, like currency manipulation.

“I remain deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of ‘fast track’ on American jobs and wages.”

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