Sessions Votes to Unleash America’s Trade Power and Maintain Our Rule of Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 19, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX-32), Chairman of the House Rules Committee and a Member of House Republican Leadership, today released the following statement applauding the passage of Trade Promotion Authority:

“Today’s vote for Trade Promotion Authority was a vote to give the American people a voice in trade negotiations, a vote to create good-paying American jobs, and a vote to continue our role as a leader in the global economy.

“This legislation will not only unleash our export power, but it also maintains the rule of law, upholds American sovereignty, and guarantees that Congress maintains its exclusive constitutional authority to change laws. President Obama has abused his executive authority time and time again, which is why TPA is so important. Without TPA, the president has inherent, unilateral power to negotiate trade agreements as he sees fit. With TPA, the president has to negotiate trade agreements according to the terms of Congress. TPA puts Congress in the driver’s seat, not the president. It also ensures that any provision of any trade agreement that is inconsistent with any law of the United States will have no effect. This guarantees that American sovereignty is upheld.

“Since the days of Ronald Reagan, Republicans have always been the party of free trade because Reagan knew that when America competes around the world, America wins. I proudly supported this legislation to bolster the already 3 million trade related jobs in Texas and bring in thousands of new good paying jobs to my home state with future trade agreements. I call upon my colleagues in the Senate to support our efforts by passing this critical piece of legislation to create new American jobs, maintain our nation’s rule of law, and show the world that America will continue to lead the world in economic growth.”