WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after passage of The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (also known as TPA) today. The bipartisan legislation passed the Senate on a 62-37 vote.

“The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 that passed the Senate today represents a balanced approach to trade and creates new opportunities to export West Virginia-made goods and services.

“Today’s vote gives the American people – through their member of Congress – a strong voice in trade negotiations for years to come. The bill also reauthorizes the Trade Adjustment Assistance program that funds important training programs to help workers obtain the skills they need to compete for the jobs of the 21st century.

“West Virginia workers deserve to compete on a level playing field. That is why I was proud to support companion legislation that passed the Senate last week to bolster enforcement of our trade laws to protect American workers from illegal actions that cost jobs. This bipartisan bill, The Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Act, ensures that when we engage in more trade, American companies and workers are able to fairly compete with our overseas competitors. I also supported an amendment to protect American jobs from currency manipulation.

“West Virginia exported $7.5 billion in goods and services in 2014. With more than 95 percent of the world’s population living outside the U.S., opening markets to export West Virginia-made goods and services is critical to the growth of our state.

“With more than one in five West Virginia jobs supported by trade, we need to make sure our trade agreements have the teeth to hold other countries accountable, protect American jobs and showcase our great American products. To do this, we need Trade Promotion Authority.

“This week, our governor and a delegation from West Virginia traveled to Japan on a trade mission aimed at attracting new businesses to our state. Moving forward with free trade negotiations will facilitate new opportunities for workers at current West Virginia employers and help attract new business investment. Without today’s bill, the potential economic benefits from trade agreements with allies like Japan will be lost.”

For more background on The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, click here.

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