WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), a former United States Trade Representative, and Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), introduced the Creating American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011.  The legislation would express Congress’ support for passing the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.  The Creating American Jobs Through Exports Act would also reinstate the Obama Administration’s trade negotiating authority.  Both parts of the legislation are critical actions necessary to increase exports, create a more job-friendly environment for American job creators, and advance America’s national security interests.

“Passage and adoption of the three pending trade agreements would be an immediate action to spur economic growth by opening up markets for U.S. businesses.  With unemployment hovering around 10 percent, American businesses can’t afford to be sitting on the sideline while other nations pursue trade agreements that will put them multiple steps ahead,” said Senator Portman. 

This legislation also extends trade negotiating authority, which is especially crucial to opening the rapidly-growing Asian-Pacific region for job creators.

“Extending the Trade Promotion Authority will give the United States a strong hand at the negotiating table to get the best possible deal for American businesses – increasing our competitiveness abroad while creating jobs here at home,” concluded Portman. 

“Increasing our nation’s exports is a sure way to create jobs, strengthen our domestic manufacturing base, and accelerate our economic recovery,” said Lieberman.  “Passing these trade agreements and extending Trade Promotion Authority is also inseparable from America’s national security,” added Lieberman. “Particularly in the face of a rising China, American leadership in the Asia-Pacific demands that our government adopt a forward-looking trade strategy that ensures American businesses, small and large, can compete effectively in this critical region.”