As secretary of defense, I never forget that our military strength ultimately rests on the foundation of a vibrant and growing economy.
That's why I was pleased to see Chairman Hatch, Senator Wyden, and Chairman Ryan introduce the "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015" that would provide President Obama with the negotiating authorities needed to secure America's long-term economic interests, most importantly in finalizing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreements.
TPP and TTIP would boost our economy. They would provide our workers and businesses a more fair and level playing field abroad. And they would protect the standards and practices that are essential to American innovation, such as government transparency, intellectual property laws, a free and open internet, environmental protections, and workers' rights.
TPP and TTIP also make strategic sense for our country. The agreements would help us promote stability and security in critical regions of the world by deepening our alliances and partnerships abroad, reinforcing American global leadership and engagement, and promoting a global order that reflects both our interests and our values.
I just returned from my first trip to the Asia-Pacific as secretary of defense. At every stop, I heard about TPP and the need for sustained U.S. economic and security leadership in the region, and around the world. To meet this call while strengthening America's economy and supporting the nation's workers, I urge Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority.