HARRISBURG, Pa., July 22, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry joined the United States Chamber of Commerce and other statewide organizations and businesses today in support of Congressman George Gekas (R-PA-17) and his vote on the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) last December. Congressman Gekas has come under fire recently in a string of ads by the AFL-CIO criticizing his vote in support TPA.
"Tens of thousands of families in Pennsylvania dedicate their lives to the agricultural and manufacturing business communities," said Gekas. "As foreign markets open up and the demand for American goods increases, these families are the ultimate beneficiaries. Through the creation and promotion of new international trade partners we are helping to secure existing jobs in Pennsylvania and generate new ones."
"TPA will allow President Bush to forge new trade agreements that will increase Pennsylvania exports, creating new jobs for Pennsylvanians," said Floyd Warner, President of the Pennsylvania Chamber. "The leadership exemplified by Congressman Gekas on this issue and subsequent enactment of TPA legislation will have a positive impact on Pennsylvania's business climate. Thanks to his efforts, the business community statewide, particularly 1,800 of our member companies which employ more than 360,000 persons, will benefit."
TPA is very important for American exporters, 97 percent of which are small businesses that rely on trade agreements to knock down tariffs and other export barriers. In addition, an estimated 270,400 Pennsylvania jobs in the manufacturing sector, plus approximately another 9,000 in agriculture, depend on exports. Action taken by the Senate in May sets the stage for final congressional approval of a bill that would, for the first time since 1994 when NAFTA was introduced, give the president added flexibility and authority to negotiate trade deals.
The Pennsylvania Chamber represents over 10,000 businesses, local chambers, and trade associations -- ranging from the very small to large. While more than three-quarters of our members have fewer than 100 employees, the total employment through our membership exceeds 50 percent of Pennsylvania's private workforce.