Florida Chamber-Backed Trade Bill Passes U.S. House

TPA Measure Equals Economic/Job Growth in Florida

The Florida Chamber of Commerce today applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation and championing international trade to help ensure Florida remains globally competitive. TPA will allow the U.S. to complete market-opening trade agreements that support economic growth in Florida and high-paying jobs across multiple Florida industry sectors.

“Florida families and businesses are winners today with the decision by the U.S. House to support international trade efforts,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “We commend the members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation for voting to support TPA, supporting pro-business legislation that will create high-wage jobs, boost trade and make Florida more globally competitive.”

For Florida, free trade agreements mean expanding economic opportunities. Countries with which we have free trade agreements represent 37 percent of Florida’s exports, and during the past 10 years, exports from Florida to these markets grew by 97 percent.

The legislation, Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2015 (TPA-2015), will increase the transparency of trade negotiations, will support economic growth in Florida, will create high-paying jobs, and will allow all members of the public to have input in U.S. trade negotiations at all stages. The U.S. Senate passed the bill last month.