Statement by Don Evans on Introduction of Trade Promotion Authority Legislation in the House of Representatives

Washington, DC - "I applaud Chairman Crane for introduction of legislation to provide the President with Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), kicking off the debate, and I urge the Congress to move quickly on TPA. I am optimistic that we'll succeed with passing TPA and rebuilding the consensus on trade policy and affirming an agenda of open markets for U.S. goods and services. Promoting open and free markets around the world benefits American workers, families, farmers, and small businesses."

"The benefits of free trade are not in dispute. NAFTA and the Uruguay Round gave the American worker the opportunity to compete on a level playing field and we have done very well. In 2000, U.S. industrial production was 48 percent higher than it had been in 1990. And behind the numbers are 12 million real people whose jobs are export-related. They earn up to 18 percent more than the national average. Many are working at small and medium-sized businesses, which account for 97 percent of U.S. merchandise exporters."

"There are more than 130 preferential trade agreements in the world today. The U.S. belongs to two. We have to get off the sidelines and back into the game. We must provide our negotiators with the power they need to sit down at the bargaining table and secure new trade agreements that open more markets. If we don't move ahead, we risk falling behind."