TPA passage was a victory for business

To the editor:

When Congress recently passed the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation it was a victory for business, workers and our state's economy. We should thank Rep. Rod Blum, who helped lead bipartisan support for this bill.

TPA is vital to the passage of trade agreements with the potential to bring jobs and investment to communities like ours. These agreements help lower barriers to trade and reduce restrictions on U.S. exporters like Toyota.

Toyota team members are second to none in building quality vehicles. There are nine U.S.-built vehicles the company exports to 40 countries, supporting thousands of good-paying, stable jobs in the U.S. TPA's impact reaches far beyond Toyota. International trade supports more than 107,000 Iowa jobs, and in 2014 Iowa businesses and farmers exported nearly $15.1 billion in goods and services.

In the Corridor, Toyota Financial Services Customer Service Center employs 587. TFS team members contributed 1,600 volunteer hours in the community and TFS donated $192,000 to local 501(c)(3) organizations.

Rep. Blum understands the link between international trade, competition, and the enduring impact of creating jobs and investment in Iowa. We are gratified to know he is in Washington watching out for our future.

Joseph Trabucco

Center Manager, Toyota Financial Services

Cedar Rapids