April 18,2012

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Baucus Pushes for High-Standard Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement to Create U.S. Jobs

Finance Committee Chairman Says TPP Represents Tremendous Opportunity for U.S. Economy, Competitiveness

Washington, DC – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) pushed for a high-standard Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement today that will increase U.S. competitiveness and help American businesses create jobs through increased exports to some of the world’s most dynamic economies.  At an event today with United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, the U.S. Business Coalition for TPP, House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-Calif.) and Ambassadors from the TPP partner countries, Baucus highlighted the opportunity the agreement presents for the U.S. economy.

“The Trans-Pacific Partnership represents a tremendous opportunity to tie together and expand trade among some of the most dynamic economies in the world,” Baucus said.  “By working together to finish negotiations and reach a deal on TPP that works for American businesses, farmers and ranchers, we can boost U.S. exports and create the jobs we need here at home.”

In 2009, Baucus urged the Administration to rejoin TPP negotiations to produce a deal that benefitted American workers and businesses, and he has pushed for completion of an agreement since then.  Last year, he noted that Japan, Mexico and Canada’s interest in joining the process could provide new markets for U.S. exports as long as they are willing to accept a high-standard agreement.  Baucus also said that Japan’s participation in the TPP represents an opportunity to resolve long-standing trade concerns, particularly its unscientific restrictions on agricultural goods like 100 percent-safe U.S. beef.  Japan, Mexico and Canada’s inclusion would increase the number of TPP consumers by 50 percent, and it would mean that TPP nations would make up a full 40 percent of global GDP.  Breaking down barriers to trade among participating countries will open new markets for U.S. businesses, farmers and ranchers, supporting and creating jobs in the U.S.

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