Grassley Calls for Action on Trade Promotion Authority


? Sen. Chuck Grassley issued the following comment regarding the principles released today by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus for trade promotion authority legislation.

"I want to work with Sen. Baucus on a bipartisan TPA bill this year, but if we can't come to an agreement in a short period of time, I'll have to support the trade proposal put forward by Sens. Graham and Murkowski. Their bill is well-developed. It's got strong bipartisan backing on the Finance Committee. And there's very little time left this year for the big job of moving a TPA bill through the legislative process.

"I'm glad to see Sen. Baucus put his concepts on the discussion table today. A lot of Republicans won't like them, and the debate is well underway, but it's very important to have every legislative leader engaged in this debate. Trade promotion authority is key to the President's ability to open new markets for American products and services, and it's the most effective way to increase profitability in agriculture as we begin debate on a new farm bill," Grassley said.

Grassley is the ranking member of the Committee on Finance. He is an outspoken advocate for international trade and previously served as chairman of the International Trade Subcommittee.