Congresswoman Fudge says, the writing is on the wall, pass TAA

(Washington, D.C.) – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) issued the following statement before Members of the House of Representatives vote on H.R. 1295, legislation to support the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA):

“For Democrats in Washington, the writing is on the wall.

“Let me clear: I oppose ‘fast-track’ legislation! Congress is empowered by the U.S. Constitution to review trade deals. I do not support ceding our authority to anyone.  The recent actions to pass this measure by any means necessary have diluted our authority.

“Members of the House and Senate voted to pass the TPA, and the President has made clear his intentions to sign the bill post haste. President Obama has said he would not sign TPA (fast track) without accompanying legislation to support America’s workers.  That no longer appears to be the case.

“In reality we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. Our hands are tied. We must hold the President and Republicans accountable to America’s displaced workers. Congress must act to protect those who will surely lose their jobs as a result of this trade package.

“This trade deal, the largest in history, is being negotiated with countries that continue to commit human rights and environmental violations across the globe. These countries pay their workers pennies on the dollar. Their workers cannot even afford the products they make or those that we would export to them.

“We will be forced to do business with nations that do not respect workers.  The scale of trade will remain unbalanced. It is inevitable we will find ourselves on the short end of the stick.

“The only viable option we have left is to ensure our workers have a chance by passing Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). The TAA provides support for American workers who have lost jobs due to trade. TAA funds, primarily, provide training, resources, and income support.  Eligible workers may also receive case management, wrap-around services, and tax credits that can be used to offset new health care costs.

“Is the TAA a perfect solution? No. The amount allotted for training is meager at best, and it does not cover public sector workers. But with the trade deal done, this is our only option. It would be wrong to let TPA go forward without upholding the rights of America’s workers.

“U.S. trade policy is not just about the relationship between our nation and other countries. It is part of a larger conversation about living wage, consumer protection, job security, and a better quality of life for all Americans.

“While I am disappointed in the passage of the TPA and the pending development of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, I refuse to turn my back on the people who make America run!

“I urge my Congressional colleagues to look at the TAA through the eyes of the people it was intended to serve. We must do all we can to ensure that trade deals are not made on the backs of America’s workers.

“The writing is on the wall. We must pass the TAA.”

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