| January 31 , 2007 | For Immediate Release |
Contact: Steve Lamar 703.797.9041 |
ARLINGTON, VA, January 31, 2007 – American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) President & CEO Kevin M. Burke today expressed strong support for President Bush’s call for renewal of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) by Congress.
“This authority is extremely important to expedite free trade agreements and allow negotiators to operate effectively,” said Burke, who noted that TPA will expire on July 1, 2007 unless Congress acts. TPA requires lawmakers to vote “yes” or “no” on trade agreements negotiated by the U.S. government without making changes, but only if the Administration engages in substantial consultation with the Congress during the negotiations leading up to the trade agreement. Burke noted that a robust, two-way consultation process is critical not only to the successful negotiation of, but Congressional approval for trade agreements.
“Providing this fast-track authority for trade agreements will greatly assist the U.S. in negotiating multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements that open new markets for U.S. companies,” Burke said, adding that TPA is especially important as the U.S. government seeks to successfully complete the Doha round of world trade talks, which
have been stalled, as well as trade deals with South Korea and Malaysia.
Burke called on Congress to act quickly to extend TPA so U.S. negotiators can maintain their credibility and effectiveness as they work towards these agreements. “Complex international trade agreements cannot be renegotiated after-the-fact by the U.S. Congress,” Burke said. “The President needs this authority without further delay.”
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The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. AAFA's mission is to promote and enhance its members' competitiveness, productivity and profitability in the global market by minimizing regulatory, commercial, political, and trade restraints.