Pelosi Dear Colleague to Members on TAA/Preferences Package

eag

June 24, 2015

Dear Democratic Colleague,

Over the past few weeks, our House Democratic Caucus has been unified in our concern over the impact trade agreements have on working families.

While we have not all voted in the same manner, we all recognize that the next debate will be over Trans-Pacific Partnership itself and all Members – on both sides of this debate – will shine a bright light on the provisions of TPP.

Tomorrow, we expect the House to take up the TAA/Preferences package, including AGOA. I’m disappointed that the TAA bill isn’t nearly as robust as it should be in light of a trade agreement that encompasses 40 percent of the global economy.

While we may not all vote in the same manner on TAA, I will support its passage because it can open the door to a full debate on TPP. I hope that the debate will be transparent and respectful of the role of Congress as defined in the Constitution: “The Congress shall have power to … regulate commerce with foreign nations.” We all understand that we live in a global economy and we want many more people worldwide to thrive in that economy.

My standard for any trade agreement is that it must create good-paying 21st century jobs, increase the paychecks of American workers, and it must do so recognizing the relationship between commerce and climate.

I appreciate the lively and thoughtful debate in our Caucus on globalization, which will continue. Thanks for your leadership and friendship.

best regards,