U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell Statement on the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell issued the following statement regarding the recent introduction of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015:

“The Obama Administration is committed to opening up new markets to U.S. exports and making sure that countries practice fair labor standards and environmental rules if they want to send their goods to the U.S. These agreements can be important tools to help move our trading partners towards more sustainable development that conserves natural resources.

“The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 includes tough new rules that make environmental commitments fully enforceable in our trade agreements, just like other commercial obligations.

“This includes pursuing commitments in trade agreements to combat illegal logging and wildlife trade, conserving species like rhinos, elephants, and pangolins, conserving specially protected natural areas and forests, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

“Trade promotion authority has support from both parties in Congress, and I hope Congress will act quickly to pass legislation to restore this authority.”