U.S. Representative John Boehner
“Is the President Going to Stand Up & Lead?”

WASHINGTON, DC – At a press conference with Republican Leaders today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) addressed the Senate Majority Leader’s recent comments opposing Trade Promotion Authority, and called on President Obama “to stand up and lead on this issue” to help boost exports and create more American jobs.

With the jobs of more than 1.4 million Ohioans depending on trade, expanding America’s trade agenda through Trade Promotion Authority legislation is vitally important to Ohio’s economy as well as job creation in Ohio.

Following are Boehner’s remarks:

“Republicans have a great opportunity ahead of us this year, and this retreat for our Republican members is just the beginning. And I think in order to maximize our year, it’s important that we show the American people that we’re not just the opposition party – we’re actually the alternative party.

“We’ve passed dozens of bills this year that would help the economy, would help improve education, improve energy production in America, mostly sitting over in the United States Senate. But I think Republicans have to do more to talk about the better solutions that we think we have that will help the American people grow their wages, have opportunities at a better job, and clearly have a better shot at the American Dream.

“Listen, we know that the president’s policies are not working. That’s why we need to show the American people that the policies that we’re in favor of really will improve their lives.

“You know, one of the president’s priorities is Trade Promotion Authority. And I’ve made clear over the last several months that the president needs to engage in this issue. This morning, the Senate Majority Leader said he was not in favor of Trade Promotion Authority. Trade Promotion Authority allows the administration to negotiate with our colleagues and allies around the world to expand trade. Expanded trade means more opportunities for Americans, more exports. So the question is, ‘Is the president going to stand up and lead on this issue?’ We cannot pass this bill without his help. And if this is one of his own priorities, you would think that he would have the Senate Majority Leader working with him to pass Trade Promotion Authority in order to expand opportunities for our fellow citizens.”