Renewal of Trade Negotiating Authority a Top Priority for Trade for America

U.S. Business and Agriculture Launch Coalition to Push for Bipartisan Consensus on Trade and Investment Policy

Washington, D.C. - Trade for America formally launched its campaign to renew trade negotiating authority today at a press briefing attended by United States Trade Representative Susan Schwab and leaders of the U.S. business and agriculture community.

Trade for America represents a wide range of companies and trade associations representing virtually every sector of the U.S. economy, all dedicated to continuing U.S. economic growth and prosperity. The Coalition believes renewal of presidential trade negotiating authority before it expires on June 30, 2007 is critical to ensuring that American business, agriculture and workers are able to continue to compete in the rapidly changing global economy.

"The economic prosperity of our nation is dependent upon U.S. trade - both imports and exports, and renewal of trade negotiating authority is paramount to ensuring future trade growth," said Trade for America Co-Chair Leslie Griffin, Vice President, International Government Affairs, New York Life Insurance Company. "We are very pleased to be launching this effort to renew trade negotiating authority and look forward to working with both parties to build a bipartisan consensus on the future of U.S. trade."

Trade for America applauded statements by President Bush, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Grassley (R-IA), as well House Ways & Means Chairman Rangel (D-NY) and Ranking Member Republican McCrery - all affirming the importance of trade negotiating authority and the need to work together to agree on a basis for renewal.

Trade agreements and increased exports are vital to U.S. businesses, workers and farmers, as 96 percent of the world's consumers live outside the United States. Through expanded trade the United States will create new opportunities to sell products and services abroad, and consumers will benefit from lower prices and greater choices here at home.

"America's major trade competitors, including the European Union, China and Japan are actively and aggressively negotiating trade agreements throughout the world. To keep pace and ensure U.S. success at the negotiating table, Congress must renew this critical tool," Griffin concluded.

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Trade for America is an umbrella group representing the diverse interests of service-providers, manufacturers, agriculture and many other stakeholders all dedicated to continuing to grow the U.S. economy through liberalized trade and investment policies, and keeping America competitive in the global economy.

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