Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) responded with disappointment at the failure of key countries participating in the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations to agree on the terms on a global trade agreement aimed at boosting economic wealth and lifting millions out of poverty.

            “It’s a shame that India and Brazil are reluctant to pursue an ambitious and balanced Doha agreement that reduces barriers to world trade and provides economic benefits to developing countries,” said Congressman Brady.

            “I remain hopeful that our negotiating partners will reassess their positions and come back to the table with serious offers that equal the high level of U.S. ambition.

            “But if the Doha Round is unlikely to produce results, we must not let the U.S. trade agenda be held hostage to the will of others.  America’s competitors are pursuing nearly 100 bilateral trade agreements.  We can’t afford to be left on the sidelines.

            “It’s now more important than ever to move forward aggressively with bilateral and regional trade agreements that will strengthen the competitiveness of our nation’s manufacturers, service providers, farmers and ranchers. 

            “Four agreements stand before Congress today, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support them.  Unfortunately, those will be the last unless Congress also approves Trade Promotion Authority, which provides the necessary framework for continued negotiation and is set to expire in just 9 days.”

Congressman Brady is a Member of the Trade sub-Committee of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Economic Committee.  One of the top leaders on trade issues in Congress, he successfully led a three-year long fight for approval of the Dominican Republican-Central American Free Trade Agreement.