Secretary Sally Jewell Statement on Trade Promotion Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell issued the following statement regarding the passage of Trade Promotion Authority:

"I applaud Congress for passing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to ensure the United States can negotiate strong trade agreements with strong enforceable standards. The President is committed to opening up new markets to U.S. exports and making sure that countries adhere to fair labor standards and environmental rules.

"TPA includes tough new rules that make environmental commitments fully enforceable in our trade agreements, just like other commercial obligations. These agreements will be important tools to help move our trading partners toward more sustainable development that can help protect precious natural resources and combat illegal logging and wildlife trafficking. This includes pursuing commitments in future trade agreements to help conserve species like rhinos, elephants and pangolins, conserving specially protected natural areas and forests, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

"I also commend Congress for passing Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). TAA has served as a lifeline for workers displaced by globalization, and AGOA is the cornerstone of our trade relationship with Africa."