Wyden Applauds Senate Action to Advance Progressive Trade Agenda

WASHINGTON - A bipartisan coalition of senators voted to advance legislation co-authored by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., that sets the rules for future trade agreements, providing the opportunity to grow U.S. jobs and exports.

Wyden said the 62-38 procedural vote demonstrated broad support for a progressive trade agenda that boosts U.S. exports while raising the bar on core U.S. values around the world. Now the Senate is expected to consider a number of amendments to the bill before voting on final passage.

“Today’s vote shows that the U.S. Senate is ready to turn the page on the trade policy of the 1990s and NAFTA-style trade agreements,” Wyden said. “Our legislation ensures new transparency for all trade deals, opens the door to expanding U.S. exports and American jobs, and makes sure that our trade partners don’t give short shrift to crucial issues like the environment, labor and human rights. I’m working to ensure the Senate votes on as many amendments as possible and passes this bill into law.”

The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, by Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Wyden, the committee’s top Democrat, instructs the executive branch on Congress’ goals for future trade agreements and ensures that trade deals receive a vote in Congress in a timely manner.

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