Trade Promotion Authority
With the Obama Administration pursuing an ambitious trade agenda that includes the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as a pact with the European Union, the President needs Congress to grant him trade promotion authority (TPA). Previously known as “fast track,” TPA provides for an expedited process for trade agreement confirmations that allows Members of Congress only an up-or-down vote, with no amendments, on final, negotiated deals. The last TPA measure expired in 2007. On January 9, Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (MT-D); the committee’s Ranking Member, Senator Orrin Hatch (UT-R); and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Dave Camp…
