Window for bipartisan moment

Republican control of Congress has done little to alter the dynamic between the two parties. Both remain divided on some of the most important challenges facing this country. In recent weeks, however, Republicans and Democrats have found common ground on a crucial issue: Trade has the power to help American businesses and workers and strengthen our economy.

In a time of divisive politics, this overlap has the makings for a bipartisan moment, one that both parties should act on in the coming weeks. The question now is whether each party will be able to overcome its reservations and work together to ratify two of the most significant trade deals in world history.

{mosads}The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) will minimize trade restrictions and duplicative regulations for twelve countries on the perimeter of the Pacific— including Japan, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the United States. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) would act similarly to decrease the barriers between the two largest economic blocs in the world, the US and EU.

The positive impact of these trade deals cannot be overstated. TPP and TTIP would bring together approximately 40% and 45% of the global economy respectively. If America’s economic might lays at the foundation of its global power and influence, then these treaties will be crucial to our future.

Trade has long been controversial for many, who view it as a threat to American jobs. TPP and TTIP are no exception to this. Some argue that, as a result of the treaties, American workers will not be able to compete with foreign workers from countries like Vietnam, where people will work for much lower wages.

As the world has become more integrated through trade, the opposite has proven true. The last decade has been the most globalized era in world history. In it, Americans have proven to be the most productive and creative workers. American factories use the most advanced technologies, such as robotics and 3-D printing. These increase efficiency and the quality of products, while supporting high paying jobs. With lower energy costs, a highly skilled workforce, and wages in developing countries like Vietnam and China rising, manufacturers are returning to America. 

Consider the resurgence of both the American economy and American manufacturing. In a time where the rest of the world, including much of Asia, is going through a period of economic uncertainty and slow-down, the United States is experiencing an economic boon. For their part, TPP and TTIP will help give American businesses greater access to global markets and allow products “Made in the USA” to demonstrate their competitiveness around the world. 

The president has broken with many in his party to strongly advocate for TPP and TTIP. While the President does this, his counterparts in the Republican Party must meet him halfway and grant him Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), also known as “fast-track” authority. TPA will be crucial to the future of TPP and TTIP negotiations. With TPA, the president will have the key tool to negotiate effectively to gain the best terms for the U.S. It will ensure that parochial political interests will not sabotage a negotiation that will have such a tremendous impact on the U.S. as a whole.  

Some Republicans view TPA as an attack on their congressional authority, the president’s attempt to assume a new and unprecedented power. Other Republicans do not want to give the president a victory, even if they agree with him on the issue. A quick look through history shows that TPA is far from new and has often enjoyed bipartisan support. TPA was enacted during the Nixon presidency. It had the force of law from 1975 until 1994 and then again from 2002 until 2007. The Republicans Nixon, Ford, Reagan, George Bush, and George W. Bush had the fast-track authority. Since 1975, Clinton and Obama are the only presidents that did not have the fast-track authority.

It would be a mistake for either party to believe that we can hold off governing until another presidential administration takes power. Two years is too long to wait. Trade is an issue where both parties can work together to improve the economy and the livelihood of Americans. Let’s do it.

Sánchez is the former under secretary of Commerce for International Trade, 2009-2013.