"The President's right. Every day without Trade Promotion Authority is another day the United States can't fully advance the interests of its farmers, workers and businesses at the negotiating table.
"Our agricultural negotiators are in Geneva now. They're fighting for better market access for our farmers. But without TPA, other countries that want to shield their markets from competition will shape the agenda and timing of these critical talks. This is devastating for America's export-dependent farm economy.
"I recently received a letter about this from Glen Keppy. Glen is a third generation family pork producer from Davenport, Iowa. Glen told me about the huge foreign tariffs on pork ? averaging close to 100 percent ? and the other foreign trade barriers that hamper his ability to export. According to Glen, ?the only way our family operation will survive over the long term is if we can convince other nations to lower or remove their trade barriers.' If the Senate Democratic leaders won't listen to the President, I hope they listen to the farmers and small business owners who depend on trade to pay the bills.
"Free trade isn't just a matter of economics. It's also key to U.S. foreign policy. Market-opening trade deals with countries like Afghanistan help bring stability and prosperity to oppressed nations. The United States can use its economic leadership to bring more nations into democracy and prosperity. Trade helps us do that."