Representative Froman testified today before the House Committee on Ways and Means on President Obama’s 2013 Trade Policy Agenda, according to a press release by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

In his speech, Representative Froman emphasized the USTR’s role in promoting growth, creating American jobs, and strengthening the middle class. He highlighted ongoing USTR negotiations such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) with the EU and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with Malaysia. He also mentioned USTR efforts to energize multilateral trade liberalization at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and conclude a multilateral Trade in Services Agreement (TISA). Representative Froman additionally reiterated the USTR’s commitment to developing a bill on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).

In his final remarks, Representative Froman expressed concern over financial constraints in light of sequestration and other budget cuts. He concluded by stating, “The opportunities we miss have real effects on whether or not your constituents are getting the full benefits of a robust trade policy and the jobs and growth promised by our trade agreements.”

The Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee of the United States Congress, and is the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives. Learn more about the Committee here.