Boulder, CO – -(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) applauds the recent introduction of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014, trade promotion authority (TPA) legislation. Introduced in the Senate by Senators Max Baucus and Orrin Hatch, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and the in House by Representative Dave Camp, the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, this legislation is critical to finalizing bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
TPA establishes a clear set of negotiating objectives and consultation procedures for the President to conclude international trade agreements. Any agreement negotiated under TPA will then be sent to Congress under expedited procedures for an up or down vote without the possibility of amendment. Similar TPA legislation was last passed in 2002 and expired in 2007.
The Obama administration is currently engaged in negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) with 12 Pacific countries and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) agreement with the European Union. The successful conclusion of these agreements, with favorable provisions on outdoor apparel and footwear, could have substantial benefits for outdoor manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
“International trade agreements with 21st century standards will help OIA members expand their global presence, making the most of the global value chain in order to meet the demands of the American consumer for high-quality outdoor apparel, footwear, camping gear and other products. TPA is an essential tool for the Obama administration to conclude the negotiations on TPP and T-TIP. Its passage would help lower costs, fuel innovation, break down trade barriers, create more jobs and encourage more Americans to get outdoors,” said Kirk Bailey, Vice President of Government Affairs for OIA. “It is also our hope that TPA will become the core of a trade package for Congress to consider expired trade programs and other long standing trade initiatives.”
Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, CO, with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.