As we in Congress debate whether to grant President Obama the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with eleven other countries, it is vital for us to consider whether we are fully prepared as a nation for the outcome of the decisions we make on this deal. Unless we are certain that the United States will remain highly competitive through a better-prepared workforce and modernized infrastructure, I am not ready to support TPA.

The success of our nation depends on the strength of its people. Since discussions of the TPP started, my constituents in New York City have consistently voiced their concerns over its potential impact on their current and future employment. It is not enough for us to have a deal to ensure American jobs for American workers. We must also focus on providing the best education system and job training resources for young people and our future generations.