June 3, 2002 - NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies applauds the U.S. Senate's approval of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) for President George W. Bush. NPES President, Regis J. Delmontagne stated that "the Association and its members have worked very aggressively for passage of the Baucus-Grassley TPA bill in the Senate. We commend those senators who voted to strengthen U.S. trade policy by taking the next step toward empowering President Bush with a critical tool with which to negotiate favorable trade agreements that will greatly benefit U.S. exporters and their employees." The Association strongly supported H.R. 3005 The Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last December, which stalled in the Senate until last week's vote. Recognizing the importance of Senate approval of TPA, NPES Chairman, David Reny, Vice President and Managing Director, Standard Finishing Systems, Andover, Massachusetts, called upon all NPES members and their employees to thank their senators for this important vote of support for manufacturers and their communities' economic well-being. "Trade promotion authority for the President will help level the playing field, and assist U.S. companies in competing more effectively in international markets," said Reny. "NPES believes it is crucial that Congress pass TPA this year," noted NPES Government Affairs Director, Mark J. Nuzzaco. "Not only is trade promotion authority necessary in the United States' effort to regain leadership in international trade and encourage international cooperation between the United States and other countries, but it is also essential in strengthening the nation's domestic economy by creating jobs, and promoting economic growth and prosperity." he observed. The bipartisan legislation that cleared the Senate does all this and addresses the concerns that have kept Congress from passing TPA legislation since 1994. Specifically, the bill approaches environmental and labor concerns constructively, and includes adequate provisions to protect U.S. sovereignty. "Hopefully, differences between the House and Senate bills can be resolved satisfactorily and expeditiously in the House-Senate conference" Nuzzaco stated. NPES is a long-time supporter of global free and fair trade, especially Trade Promotion Authority for the President. It has been nearly eight years since the President of the United States has had Trade Promotion Authority (formerly known as Fast Track Authority). The absence of this executive trade tool has placed the United States at a huge disadvantage among other trading nations that have been negotiating trade deals worldwide. "The United States is long overdue in passing trade negotiating authority for the President. Now more than ever, the United States needs this authority to help strengthen the current U.S. leadership in global commerce," commented NPES International Trade Committee Chairman, Don Ohlig, Managing Director, Olec Corporation, Irvine, California. "Following the recent enactment of economic stimulus legislation, trade promotion authority for President Bush may be the most important step the Congress can take to further strengthen the emerging U.S. economic recovery," said Ohlig.