WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) released the following statement on her decision to vote for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation that would establish the rules for how the President can negotiate trade agreements. “American companies and workers depend on a global economy and it is essential that they are in a position to take full advantage of global markets,” Congresswoman Granger said. “The worst thing that can happen is for America to be shut out of these markets. In Texas alone, more than 40,000 companies export $325 million in goods annually. Ways & Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1) has written the TPA bill in such a way that the President is required to negotiate in a manner that is both accountable and transparent. Congress will have the ability to weigh in as the agreements are being negotiated and would retain the authority to veto an agreement that they determine is not in America’s best interest. I will vote for Trade Promotion Authority because it gives the United States the leverage needed to negotiate favorable trade agreements that open foreign markets to American exports, grow our economy, and create American jobs.”