Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement in support of ongoing trade discussions towards completing a Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement:  

“I am pleased to see the progress that has been made towards completing a Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement during the recent high level meeting between the United States and Japan,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “As a representative of the largest inland port in the country in Laredo, Texas, I am a strong supporter of increased trade with the United States and the rest of the world that will lead to further growth, investment, and innovation.  The bottom line is that trade creates jobs and prosperity – in today’s economic environment, we must pursue an agreement that keeps markets accessible to the United States.” 

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed regional free trade agreement (FTA) being negotiated among the United States, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.  The economy of the State of Texas relies heavily on international trade, exporting $279.7 billion in goods in 2013, with 36.1% or $101.0 billion, sent to Mexico.  Texas exports support thousands of jobs for Texas workers and sustain thousands of small and medium sized businesses based in Texas.