Chairman Becerra: Future Trade Deals Need Credible And Enforceable Rules

Statement

Today, Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Ranking Member on the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee and Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after offering several amendments to improve current legislation that provides the Obama Administration with trade promotion authority:

"Credible and enforceable rules are the benchmarks by which all trade deals should be judged. I offered proposals to improve Trade Promotion Authority that would ensure that our partners in these deals don't have the opportunity to cheat by manipulating their currency or adversely affect our Medicare and Medicaid policies through international trade dispute procedures. But Republicans voted down these and other important amendments, preventing the bill from being substantially improved. I cannot support this bill.

"It is difficult to grant sweeping fast track authority based solely on good faith. Members of Congress and the families we represent need to know that future trade deals will translate into real benefits and that the rules will be enforced. Congress and the President must continue to work together to improve this bill so that it is not only good for American businesses, but for American workers and the middle class."

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