GOP presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said that he would vote against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal between the United States and 11 other countries on Friday while campaigning in Iowa.
According to the Des Moines Register, Cruz said he is “deeply concerned” with the trade pact.
“While Cruz said he supports free trade, he believes the Trans-Pacific Partnership would undermine U.S. immigration laws and the nation’s sovereignty,” reported the Des Moines Register.
“There are a number of Republicans on that (debate) stage who support TPP, who support (the Trade Promotion Authority),” Cruz stated. “I voted against TPA and I intend to vote against TPP.”
TPA – Trade Promotion Authority – is the legislation that Congress passed in June that granted President Obama fast-track trade authority so that trade deals – such as the TPP – only get an up or down vote by Congress, which cannot offer any amendments.
“I believe we can negotiate a much better agreement with a strong conservative president than we have with Barack Obama,” Cruz stated.
Cruz was visiting the Hawkeye state following a recent endorsement by Iowa Congressman Steve King (R-IA).
A member of the Republican Party of Iowa’s governing board, Loras Schulte, a according to the Des Moines Register, “announced Friday that he would resign his position and endorse Cruz.”
“I believe Ted Cruz represents the best chance we have to restore not only what is great about America, but of providing the leadership the international community is lacking,” a statement from Schulte read.