White House calls for renewal of fast-track authority

“It articulates a shared trade vision for our country, and lays out clear rules and procedures for consultation and consideration of any trade agreement.”

The White House said it would work with Congress to renew the authority, which expired in 2007, which it expects “will guide current and future negotiations, and will thus support a jobs-focused trade agenda moving forward.”

But House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) criticized the president for failing to communicate with Congress on the issue, yet. 

“I am disappointed that the administration has not engaged with Congress concerning trade promotion authority,” he said.

“I urge the president to demonstrate his commitment to a vigorous and productive trade policy by nominating a qualified and committed U.S. Trade Representative and by immediately beginning discussions with Congress on renewing trade promotion authority.”

Trade supporters say new free-trade agreements are needed to create jobs here and boost the economy. 

“Once a global leader on trade, the United States is now falling behind,” Hatch said. 

“Our stagnant economy needs the boost that trade can provide. I hope the President recognizes this reality and begins to work with Congress immediately on legislation to renew TPA.”

With global competition growing and 95 percent of the world’s consumers outside of U.S. borders, trade agreements are a way to boost exports for manufacturers. 

“As part of an aggressive trade agenda, the administration and Congress must work together now to restore the executive–congressional trade-negotiating pact known as trade promotion authority,” said David Hoover, NAM’s chairman of its international economic policy committee. 

“This is vital to accelerating and implementing comprehensive market-opening negotiations. Implementing the right trade policies will make us more competitive globally and create manufacturing jobs right here at home,” he said.

The White House said it is committed to completing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal, which is expected this year, and launching negotiations with the European Union, which could take upward of two years, according to the report sent to Congress. 

Other initiatives include working on an international services agreement and expanding the Information Technology Agreement.

“President Obama’s trade strategy for 2013 calls for continued progress and bold steps that will build on last year’s record-setting U.S. export performance in support of greater economic growth and jobs for more Americans,” said U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk. 

Kirk’s last day at the agency is Friday and the president has not announced a nominee to replace him. 

This story was updated at 3:20 p.m.