TPA and Beyond By Congressman Gregory W Meeks (NY)

Underneath the wave of the international debatesurrounding the war on terrorism, there is an undercurrent of what mayturn out to be the 107th Congress' most significant action on internationalcommerce: The granting of Trade Promotion Authority to the President. From the outset, I supported my Colleague and the Dean of the New YorkCongressional delegation, Congressman Charles Rangel's effort to promoteauthority based on environmentally sound policy; universally defensiblelabor practices and a healthy respect for the role of Congress. Themeasure that passed the House and Senate conference and ultimately signedinto law continues to be the subject of great debate. However, itis Trade Promotion Authority nonetheless-- so "Let the gamesbegin!"
I support international trade. I support trade thatallows the United States to use the commercial arena as another tool forinternational understanding, engagement and to foster global relations. Now that the President has been given the authority to negotiate bilateralagreements, it is incumbent upon us-- whose districts rely so heavily onthe international movement of goods and services-- to monitor and participatein the process. John F. Kennedy airport and the 6th CongressionalDistrict will have a voice in the development of those agreements.
The United States Trade Representative and the business communityhave started their rounds of courtesy calls and commentary. I havehad the opportunity to register my interests-linking international tradeissues and discussions to the small local District level operations. I am not talking about trickle down-but rather linking up: including smalllocal business and their interest in the larger debate. The focusof my discussions with those who celebrate TPA is how to find and assigna role for small business within the context of international commercialdeal making. I want to look around the commercial centers of the6th CD and see the fruits of international trade agreements.
Trade Promotion Authority is a reality. We are part ofan ever shrinking and interconnected commercial world. Modern technologyhas linked suppliers in remote part of the world to major developed urbanretail centers. It is time that we observe, compile and analyze bestpractices of those industry leaders who are on the global trade stage. It is time that we carve a niche for the small businessman; the small farmer;the informal entrepreneur; the "Mamma Benzs'"; as well as the "Mom andPops" of the world.
I encourage the constituents of the 6th CD to come and speakwith my staff and me about trade and how their world is affected. When I hear from you, I know the issues to bring to the table. Iwill be there, in whatever way I can.. And I will take your comments, questionsand concerns with me!