Press Releases

Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01) joined a bipartisan majority today in voting to assert Congress’ role in and bring transparency and accountability to international trade negotiations. The Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, H.R. 2146, would establish Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), a process by which Congress lays out requirements for trade agreements to receive expedited consideration.

“I again voted for TPA today because Georgia jobs are too important to be left in the hands of an untrustworthy President and the Democratic Party who sunk their own priorities to hinder free trade and American competitiveness,” Carter said. “President Obama has proven his complete disregard for our constitutional checks and balances and TPA prevents the President from entering into secret trade deals. Conservatives such as Senator Ted Cruz, Condoleezza Rice, the American Conservative Union and Americans for Tax Reform agree and have supported this bill because a vote against TPA is a vote to send American business and jobs to our competitors like China. I refuse to let that happen.”

The House recently passed H.R. 1314, the Trade Act, to establish TPA but was hindered by procedures on the House floor. TPA will help deliver the strongest possible trade agreements that will boost American exports and benefit American workers, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, and job creators.

“TPA is critical for Georgia jobs and the economic prosperity of our local economy,” Carter said. “1.2 million jobs in Georgia depend on international trade and, with two of the fastest growing ports in the country here in the First District, there is a great opportunity to increase this number. Unfortunately, American job creators are not playing on a level playing field and our trading partners will continue stacking the deck without the best possible trade agreements. TPA will accelerate these much-needed trade deals and ensure the American people have the final say.”