Senate Republicans Say Obama's Silence Risks Trade Agenda

Senate Republicans Say Obama's Silence Risks Trade Agenda

In the January 16, 2014 article on Bloomberg.com, author Laura Litvan asserts that Obama’s lack of initiative is hindering American business.  Congress has the authority to propose and enact legislation concerning trade agreements, tariffs of goods sold overseas, however it does not have the authority to communicate with foreign governments. The job of communicating with foreign governments regarding American trade falls onto Obama’s lap as President of the United States.  

Obama’s silence on the matter could hurt American businesses dramatically. This is because other nations are not staying silent on trade agreements and are constantly engaging other nations for trade.  In a way, this can affect American Foreign Policy because it affects GDP. If American trade imports outweigh American trade exports, the economy will be greatly affected. Congress Republicans are pushing for faster trade agreement proposals because American business could lose out against international competitors. At the present juncture, American businesses have been growing at a fast pace internationally, but could lose their prowess if Obama does not act.

It may turn out that Obama, like so many of his broken campaign promises, will continue to lose support from both parties. Both Democrats and Republicans are supportive of the trade initiative, which can only benefit American workers and American businesses. If Obama acts soon, he could help negotiate an agreement with a group of nations that could cover half the globe and, “would link regions with about $44 trillion in annual economic output.”

Come on, Obama, don’t keep saying you’re going to do something and not follow through – it’s crippling the American middle class, like so many of your other tactics.  

By Christopher M. Vacek

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-16/senate-republicans-say-obama-s-silence-risks-trade-agenda.html