WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) condemned the decision by President Trump to pull the United States out of negotiations over the Trans Pacific Partnership, a trade deal between the United States and eleven Asian nations that would eliminate more than 18,000 taxes and trade barriers on American products. Rep. Peters voted to pass Trade Promotion Authority in 2015, which gave the Obama administration authority and guidance to negotiate the trade deal with strong environmental and labor standards. Rep. Peters announced his support for the TPP last fall, but the final deal never received a vote in Congress, despite support from Republican Congressional leadership.

Rep. Peters released the following statement:

“President Trump has said he wants to put American interests first by renegotiating trade deals, but by pulling out of the Trans Pacific Partnership entirely, he has put China in the driver’s seat to write the rules of global trade.

“President Trump is mistaken if he thinks abandoning the TPP has long-term benefits for American jobs, American entrepreneurs, or American security interests. Keeping these trade barriers in place and giving China the upper hand to negotiate deals with lower standards will only make American products less competitive in the global marketplace.

“We should instead be embracing this opportunity to create high-quality jobs in America and strengthen our relationships abroad. At a time when we face new and dynamic threats around the world, the United States cannot afford to retreat from its role as a global economic leader.”