ARTICLE
Due in large part to your efforts, long sought Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation passed in the Senate yesterday by a vote of 60-38. Coupled with approval in the House last week, this legislation is now headed to President Obama’s desk for signature. This signifies a substantial victory for efforts to pursue a range of new trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and a Trade in Services Agreement, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes and sectors to find new markets abroad. We know that this could not have been done without the support of our local and state chamber partners. Your letters, calls, and e-mails that were generated over the past several weeks to your Representatives and Senators gave Members of Congress the confidence to vote for trade knowing the full support of the business community stood behind them. As we enter recess week when Members will be back home, please take the opportunity to thank those Senators and Representatives who voted in favor of TPA. Many Members went out on a limb to be supportive while facing substantial pressure from trade opponents – pressure we anticipate will continue. We want to make sure they know we appreciate their vote to help create opportunities to open markets for U.S. exports abroad and jobs here at home. A template letter to the editor is attached for your consideration. The U.S. Chamber’s press release on this important vote is found below, and the following links show the yeas and nays on final passage of TPA legislation: House: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll362.xml Senate: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=1&vote=00219