After the House passed Trade Promotion Authority legislation on Friday, U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) talked about why he joined the majority in passing the bill with a vote of 219-211.
“When we increase trade, Wisconsin’s workers win,” Ribble said. “The ability to sell more of our goods overseas is a victory for Wisconsin, as it should open up new markets for our cheese, milk and butter all over the world — especially in Canada and Japan.”
Opponents of TPA legislation have brought up concerns that it would eliminate any transparency and bypass public input on trade deals. Under the TPA bill, however, U.S. citizens would have several months to review and provide opinions on any agreement before Congress submits it for a final vote. Congress has, in fact, empowered every president since FDR to negotiate trade deals, and always has, at the same time, reserved its constitutional right to review those agreements before voting on them. Members of Congress agree that they should have the final say.
“I am continuing to weigh in with the U.S. trade representative regarding issues that are important to Wisconsin as we consider new trade deals, and will examine whether or not any future trade deals are good for Wisconsin and the nation, and vote accordingly,” Ribble said.