Manufacturers press for passage of fast-track authority

The push is on by business groups for Congress to pass expanded trade powers for the White House.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) started an advertising campaign on Monday across major news websites to further press the issue that is being held up in Congress.

{mosads}The series of ads says Congress “must pass” fast-track authority while touting the economic and jobs growth benefits.

“Renewal of TPA is a top priority for manufacturers across the country and is critical to our ability to reach the 95 percent of consumers outside of our borders,” said Linda Dempsey, vice president of international economic affairs at NAM.

“Simply put, manufacturers won’t take no for an answer when it comes to TPA.”

Incoming Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is expected to take some time to discuss the TPA legislation with panel members, especially members of his own party who oppose the legislation introduced in early January.

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), who was voted by the Senate last week to become the next U.S. ambassador to China, introduced a bill last month with Senate Finance ranking member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.).

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he opposes fast-track authority while President Obama said he will continue to urge Congress to pass a bill that would smooth passage for any trade deals that reach Capitol Hill.