Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 07/2014

Trade Promotion Authority: Myths & Facts

Jeff Okun-Kozlowicki, Gabe Horwitz

September 2013

Third Way

Abstract

There is a $10 trillion trade prize in Asia. The question is how much of that prize will America claim? Seizing the opportunities of foreign markets directly expands the U.S. economy and creates more employment opportunities for middle-class Americans. But this won’t be possible without Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)—the procedural tool that policymakers need to get trade deals done. This report looks at how TPA allows both Congress and the White House to influence trade deals, fosters increased stakeholder engagement, and is a vital signal to our trading partners.