WASHINGTON — June 24, 2015 — "Passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is a huge accomplishment. Today's vote shows that bipartisan achievements aren't dead in Washington," Victoria Espinel, President and CEO of BSA | The Software Alliance, said today following the U.S. Senate vote on passage of TPA. "This historic legislation makes clear that any 21st-century agreement must include strong, clear, and enforceable rules to ensure the free global flow of data. We congratulate lawmakers who supported TPA for their incredible work on this complex issue that will strengthen the foundation of our growing innovation economy."

BSA has long played an active role in efforts to educate lawmakers and Administration officials on the importance of a pro-TPA vote and the many benefits such a vote would mean, particularly when it comes to the free flow of data across borders.

“As our world becomes increasingly reliant on data and the countless answers data is providing to help improve our daily lives, we understand its importance and the huge potential that sharing data more freely across borders means,” Espinel noted. “Since last fall, we have played a leadership role in engaging decision makers on these crucial issues. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to educate lawmakers and other government officials on the importance of more open data flows and prohibiting forced localization by governments around the world – and how moving in this direction will benefit so many people.”

“Greater openness to sharing valuable data strengthens America’s commitment to international trade, while also strengthening the software industry’s ability to operate in the global marketplace,” she added. “Today’s vote in favor of TPA is a huge and promising step forward.”