(Washington, DC) – Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-South Louisiana) and colleagues, Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Dave Reichert (R-WA), of the newly formed Friends of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Caucus issued the following statement after the formal launch of the new caucus earlier today:

“Trade continues to serve as a catalyst for pro-economic growth around the world. In supporting almost 10 million American jobs, the trading power of the twelve TPP participating countries is a driving force in today’s global economy. As we continue to move forward with negotiations to complete a substantive TPP trade agreement, it will be crucial for Congress to weigh in on the important economic and strategic benefits this critical agreement will have for the U.S. and our constituents.”

Boustany went on, “The TPP presents America’s top exporters, like those in South Louisiana, with opportunities to expand in areas of trade, job creation, and global cooperation. Over 115 TPP companies have investments in Louisiana with 30% of Louisiana’s exports bound for TPP countries. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the TPP Caucus to grow America’s relationship with its Asia-Pacific partners to promote bilateral trade while strengthening a mutually beneficial relationship.”

“American exports support nearly 10 million good-paying jobs here at home. The Trans-Pacific Partnership represents a great opportunity to be a groundbreaking, market-opening trade agreement that helps the United States reclaim some of its share of exports to key Asia-Pacific markets, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the 21st century global economy,” said Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI), chairman of the New Democrat Coalition.“I’m proud to be a part of the TPP Caucus and I will continue working for a trade policy that maximizes our economic opportunities while providing a level playing field for our workers and businesses.”

Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) stated, “I am very pleased to serve as a co-chair along side Representative Boustany, Representative Reichert, and Representative Kind on the bipartisan Friends of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Caucus. The Caucus will provide a forum to discuss the broader U.S. strategic goals and benefits of the TPP Agreement. The 12 participating nations have a combined GDP of almost 40 percent of the world’s gross domestic product and 8.6 percent of global trade. This is an exciting opportunity for the United States to more closely engage with our friends and allies across the Pacific.”

Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) added,“A high-standard, comprehensive Trans-Pacific Partnership holds significant promise for Washington businesses, farmers and workers. In fact, trade with TPP countries already supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in my home state. Today, I’m honored to help launch a bipartisan group to focus on this agreement and what it could potentially mean for our economy and our international relationships.  I look forward to working with my colleagues, the Administration, the business community and the representatives of the TPP countries to push forward for a successful, 21st Century agreement.”

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