New trade partnership will benefit Nebraska

As we close the book on 2011, there is no question political brinksmanship prevented opportunities for America to move forward. There were, however, consequential, bipartisan accomplishments which will benefit the country. One area where Republicans and Democrats, Congress and the White House were all able to come together was advancing an aggressive trade agenda.

As a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over trade policy, I have made opening foreign markets for Nebraska agriculture one of my top legislative priorities. Despite the political realities of trying to legislate during an election year, we can continue to make progress on this key issue in 2012, and do so in a way which is beneficial for farmers and ranchers here in Nebraska and throughout the country.

One area of trade policy receiving bipartisan consideration is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP. This proposal has been in the negotiating process since 2008 and includes eight countries in addition to the United States -- Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. Recently, Japan, Mexico, and Canada have expressed interest in joining these talks. The goal of the negotiations is to achieve an ambitious and comprehensive 21st-century agreement which will help create and retain U.S. jobs. In November, the participating countries released broad outlines of an agreement and are continuing to make progress towards a final deal.

This trade proposal will significantly increase the United States' economic ties with the Asia-Pacific region, home to some of the world's most robust economies representing more than 40 percent of global trade. TPP will allow farmers, ranchers, and other businesses in Nebraska to expand, create jobs, invest in new technology, and grow our economy through trade. In particular, a strong agreement will create significant opportunity to market Nebraska's agriculture goods while ensuring our farmers and ranchers are not put at a disadvantage by non-tariff and unscientific trade barriers.

Over the course of negotiations and hearings regarding TPP, I have appreciated the commitment by trade officials to further opening beef markets as part of this process. Beef trade, particularly with Japan, has been a longstanding issue for U.S. exporters. TPP may present an opportunity for Japan to remove trade barriers and give Nebraska's ranchers increased access to a major international market. In an encouraging sign of progress, the Japanese Government recently announced it will reassess its stringent import restrictions on American beef. As a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, I will continue to monitor the progress of TPP and ensure trade negotiators are acting in the best interest of Nebraska's farmers and ranchers.

Democrats and Republicans may not agree on everything, but both parties agree we need to create a brighter economic future for the next generation. Increased trade is a sure way to generate much-needed economic growth by creating new markets for U.S. goods and services without raising taxes or further increasing the national debt. As we head into 2012, I am confident this area will continue to be a bipartisan area of cooperation as we work to expand economic opportunity for all Americans.

For more information about this issue, the latest developments in Congress, or to sign up for Congressman Smith's e-mail newsletter, please visit http://adriansmith.house.gov.