Mercatus Events

On the Fast Track: But to Where?

May 03, 2007
12:00pm – 1:30pm
B-339 Rayburn House Office Building

Featuring:

Dr. Michael O. Moore
Professor of Economics and InternationalAffairs
George Washington University 

Click Here to listen to an audio archive of Dr. Moore's lecture.

Click Here to view Dr. Moore's presentation.

A little ironic, don't you think?  In order for the Administration to maintain its authority to negotiate trade agreements, it must engage in a trading game with Congress.  As the June 30 expiration date approaches, policymakers must decide if the benefits outweigh the costs in terms of extending President Bush's fast track trade negotiating authority. For all parties involved, a lot is at stake.

To help policymakers develop a framework in which to evaluate trade promotion authority (TPA), the MercatusCenter at GeorgeMasonUniversity is pleased to conduct a seminar on the economics of this important issue.  This session will offer a historical look at TPA and explore its risks and rewards.  With so much at stake, both domestically and internationally, it becomes imperative to try and fully understand the effects trade promotion authority can have on the economy and workers in America , as well as throughout the world. 

Participants will be able to engage Mercatus Center faculty as we seek to answer the following questions:

  • What exactly is trade promotion authority and how does it work?
  • What can history tell us about the role of TPA? What lessons can be applied to today's debate?
  • What are some likely outcomes if TPA is extended? If it is allowed to lapse? What will be the affect on both the American economy and the global economy in either situation?