Lockheed Martin claims that Recent developments that may lead to passing legislation in support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership should be praised as a step in the right direction.

NEW YORK (Sputnik) — Recent developments that may lead to passing legislation in support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) should be praised as a step in the right direction, US defense contractor Lockheed Martin said in a press release.

The statement came as US lawmakers consider the controversial Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, or “Fast Track” bill, which would allow nations to bypass the US Congress when it comes to passing future trade bills.

The timing of the bill coincides with the ninth round of negotiations of The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which is a proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States.

“Increasing trade with the other TPP countries will not only expand US economic opportunities, but will benefit US national security by strengthening our relationships with the 11 other allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region,” the statement added.

Lockheed Martin is listed as the US Department of Defense’s leading military contractor with over $25 billion in contracts during the 2014 fiscal year alone, according to the Aerospace and Defense Intelligence Report.