Russell Opposes TPA ‘Fast Track’

Next week, legislation on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), also known as “Fast Track,” is expected to be taken up in the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee.

Congressman Steve Russell has once again come out against this legislation due to concerns of comprehensive foreign policy for the Pacific region and the President’s dismal record on foreign affairs.

“Increasing trade opportunities for the United States and its economy are important, but trade deals are more intricate than just economic agreements. They represent a foreign policy that includes diplomatic, information, military, as well as economic ramifications. Congress should play a vital role in what could have decades, if not centuries, of impact. What strategic resources have been invested to protect our commercial interests in this new construct to ensure our diplomatic, informational, and military efforts are moving at the same pace? Altering economic balances in a major region could have a great benefit if done correctly but could have costly consequences if done on the fly. What has President Obama done in his administration to earn the trust on foreign policy to address these issues? We should at least have the patience to wait 22 months until this President no longer occupies the White House. Our nation needs a ‘Right Track’ more than a ‘Fast Track.’”