Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (R, NC-10) released the following statement on House passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA):

“Today the House once again acted to increase transparency and Congressional oversight by passing Trade Promotion Authority. Passage of TPA is vital for our nation as we enter into negotiations on the Trans Pacific Partnership and other trade deals, instituting a framework off which our negotiators will work. More importantly, TPA mandates trade agreements be considered in the light of day—requiring Congress and the American people have an opportunity to fully review any agreement before it receives an up or down vote.

“Opponents of TPA have falsely claimed it is a secret agreement that increases President Obama’s power. This is not true. In fact TPA is just the opposite—instead establishing the most stringent oversight requirements of any trade promotion legislation Congress has passed. Anything less would have never earned my vote.

“I would like to commend Chairman Ryan for his tremendous leadership on this issue. Throughout this process House Republicans have attempted to work with our Democratic colleagues to get this done but they instead chose to play political games—weakening our nation’s standing abroad and killing a program they cared deeply about as a consequence.   

“As this legislation heads back to the Senate, I strongly encourage our colleagues across the Capitol to get this done. While TPA is important for our economy and national security—above all—it is about ensuring Congress and the American people a say in this critical process.”