Baucus, Hatch Comments on TPP Negotiations with Japan

To:        Reporters and Editors
From:    Sean Neary and Meaghan Smith for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
             Antonia Ferrier and Julia Lawless for Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) 
Re:        Baucus, Hatch Comments on TPP Negotiations with Japan

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today issued the following statements after Japan announced its intent to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations:

“Japan’s interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership could further open a huge market to the world-class exports produced in Montana and across America,” Senator Baucus said.  “I look forward to working with USTR to ensure Japan meets the high-level standards of this agreement in order to guarantee that it works for American workers, businesses, ranchers and farmers.  I’m hopeful we can build on the progress we recently made when Japan began accepting more U.S. beef exports.  Those gains lead directly back to more economic growth and jobs here at home.”

“Japan announcing that it wants to join the TPP talks is welcome news.  These negotiations have the real potential to further open an important market for United States exports in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Hatch. “Strengthening ties with key strategic allies committed to trade liberalization, like Japan, would yield significant benefits to American businesses, workers, farmers, and ranchers. However, it is critical that Japan demonstrate the ability and political will to undertake the strong trade commitments envisioned in the TPP before they formally join the agreement.   Of course, for TPP negotiations to successfully conclude, the President needs Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).  I hope the President will join us in our efforts to see TPA renewed.”

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