Manufacturers press for fast-track authority

The authority expired in 2007 and would be crafted to focus on priorities in the U.S.-European Union trade talks, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and a services agreement in Europe, as well. 

“By granting authority to negotiate complex deals that Congress can approve or disapprove but not amend, TPA gives our trading partners the confidence in the United States to put their best offers on the table,” Dempsey said. 

“It provides an effective oversight role for Congress, while also strengthening the hand of U.S. negotiators to get the best agreement possible.”

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman has said he is ready to engage with Congress on the legislation. 

While the authority isn’t technically needed to begin or end trade talks, it does give Congress a way of framing the debate and influencing the agenda in conjunction with the White House.

Business groups have argued for most of this year that TPA is needed for U.S. officials to move ahead with trade deals that they anticipate will create jobs and bolster the economy here. 

NAM has put out a list of trade-talk priorities including eliminating tariffs and protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights.