Paul Ryan: ‘We Have the Votes for Trade Promotion Authority’

On Friday’s “Squawk Box” on CNBC, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), one of the more outspoken proponents of the controversial Trade Promotion Authority, told “Squawk Box” co-host Joe Kernan that he believed the House has the votes for the measure.

“We have the votes for Trade Promotion Authority,” Ryan said. “This process brings more transparency and more accountability to how we consider trade agreements. And it gives Congress more control over the outcome of these trade agreements.”

Even with that proclamation, Ryan still emphasized why he viewed TPA as important, which he insists would limit the power of Obama.

“If you don’t have Trade Promotion Authority, the president can do what he wants,” Ryan said. “Look what he’s doing with Iran. It’s not a trade agreement, but it’s a good example of [how] he can do whatever he wants, negotiate whatever he wants. We have no idea what he’s negotiating. And he’s not coming to Congress before he agrees to it.”

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