President and CEO of American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), Kevin M. Burke, stated recently, "I am disappointed that time has run out for Congress to renew the president's Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), an essential executive tool for negotiating international trade agreements."
"Every U.S. president since Gerald Ford has had the authority and credibility of TPA as a means to forge trade agreements with foreign governments, which have shaped global economy."
"Without TPA, America is abandoning its leadership role on trade relations and ensuring that the international community will move forward with regional and bi-lateral trade agreements without us. As a result, U.S. citizens be they workers, farmers or consumers will miss out on opportunities to enjoy the benefits of international trade."
"I urge Congress to take action soon to give us greater access to foreign markets for U.S. exports and a wider and more inexpensive selection of consumer goods afforded by U.S. imports."
"I look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure speedy reauthorization of the lapsed Trade Promotion Authority.”