Hatch Statement on House TAA and TPA Vote

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today issued the following statement on the House of Representatives vote on Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Trade Promotion Authority (TPA):

“It is extremely disappointing that House Democrats today blocked a trade package that would give Congress and the American people a strong voice on trade. After weeks of debate and an open amendment process in both the Senate Finance Committee and on the Senate floor, the upper chamber advanced TPA and TAA with broad bipartisan support.  That the President’s own party blocked one of his top economic priorities is simply unconscionable.

“In order for the United States to have a healthy economy, we must engage in trade and a strong TPA bill is the key. Opening international markets for American exports will grow the economy and support creation of new, high-paying jobs for American workers. But for any of that to happen, TPA must be made law. Despite this latest hurdle, today’s vote shows there is bicameral support in the House and Senate for TPA, and I will continue to work with the President and my Republican and Democrat colleagues to find a way to get TPA signed into law.” 

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