President Obama pressed Congress in his weekly radio address to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which he called the “right thing” to do for American workers.
Obama noted the importance of America leading on global trade, and not ceding the top position to China.
“One of the things we should be doing … is rewriting the rules of global trade to benefit American workers and American businesses,” the president said. “I think we should write those rules before China does. That’s why I’ve been working with Congress to pass new, 21st century trade agreements with standards that are higher and protections that are tougher than any past trade agreement.”
Obama urged Congress not to hamper progress on trade by holding up legislation that will make America more competitive.
“I believe it’s what will give us the competitive edge in a new economy, or I wouldn’t be doing it,” he said.
“Now, several members of Congress disagree,” said Obama of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s revolt. Many Democrats oppose the bill because of heavy union opposition and fears that it will send jobs overseas. Their disagreement is “why it’s still tied up there, along with a lot of other good ideas that would create jobs,” said the president.
Obama said he is “optimistic we’ll get this done” and noted that “America doesn’t stand still.”
Until the legislation passes, Obama said his administration will rely on the partnerships it has forged with local and state governments to advance economic priorities.
