RILA urges Congress to approve trade promotion authority

Arlington, Va. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is publicly urging members of the U.S. House of Representatives to approve H.R. 1314, a bill to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and extend Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) legislation. The bill is scheduled for vote June 12.

Trade Promotion Authority is legislation from Congress outlining objectives and oversight for trade negotiations between the U.S. and other countries. Trade Adjustment Assistance is a federal program that provides aid to U.S. workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade.

According to RILA, TPA will spur economic growth in the U.S. by opening new markets and TAA will bolster America's competitiveness by training workers for jobs of the future. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), and House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI),

"Retailers urge the House to approve TPA and TAA legislation, which will pave the way to reduce trade barriers for American businesses and save middle-class American families money while also helping American workers to remain competitive," said Hun Quach, VP for international trade, RILA. "TPA will ensure the Administration brings home trade agreements that create new opportunities for American businesses and bolsters U.S. competitiveness around the world."

As part of the trade agenda, RILA supports a comprehensive, high-standard Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement with a membership and coverage that provides market access opportunities in all sectors. RILA says the most important issues for retailers in the TPP are the elimination of duties and creation of workable rules on high-tariff items, such as apparel and footwear. Furthermore, RILA believes that the TPP should eliminate supply chain barriers.

If these issues are addressed, RILA says the TPP could save American consumers hundreds of millions of dollars, while promoting trade and investment, thus enabling retailers to provide the latest products and technology to American families.