For Immediate Release: November 8, 2007

Sutton Leads Opposition to Flawed Trade Agreement

House Passes Measure Despite Concerns Over Fairness to American Workers

Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives today passed the Peru Free Trade Agreement, continuing the implementation of NAFTA-style trade agreements that have placed American businesses and workers at a disadvantage in the global economy. Congresswoman Betty Sutton, who has long been a leader in the fight for a new trade model, was joined in opposition by a majority of voting Democrats, including 70% of Democrats serving their first terms in office.

"It may be easy to say that our current trade policies are working when you've not talked to families in Akron, looked into the eyes of their children, or walked down the streets in Lorain," Sutton said. "It may be easy to think that our broken system is benefiting our nation's businesses, when you ignore the voices of small businesses in Barberton, and it may be easy to think we should continue down a crumbling path when you drown out the concerns of workers in Brunswick and Strongsville. But I learned, as we all do when we're young, that if something is broken, you fix it. You really fix it. If something no longer works, you develop a new product that fits your needs and allows to you move forward. That's what we need to do with our trade policies. But unfortunately, that's not what is happening here."

No major labor, environmental, human rights, or consumer organizations supported the Peru agreement, and many were firmly opposed. The agreement was also opposed by the Interfaith Working Group on Trade and Investment, the U.S. Business and Industry Council, and the two largest labor unions in Peru.

Amendments Offered

During more than three hours of debate in the House, Sutton and other Members raised concerns about the enforceability of labor and safety standards in the bill, problems with inspecting imported food products, and the United States' growing trade deficit.

"In Ohio we have lost over 200,000 manufacturing jobs since 2001. And that means a lot of families are suffering," said Sutton. "Last November, my constituents and the American people across this country, cast their ballots seeking a new direction on trade. And that's why it is so important that this Congress understand the connection between what we do here today and the impact that we'll have not only on people's livelihoods, but on their beliefs and on their ideas about what we stand for."

Sutton, along with other members of the House Trade Working Group, had earlier offered amendments to correct some of the worst flaws in the agreement. A total of 13 amendments were offered, but none were allowed.

One of Congresswoman Sutton's amendments would have clarified that no part of the Peru agreement would contradict or undermine the Buy American Act. Buy American provisions require that the United States government purchase American-made products over imports.

Another amendment would have addressed foreign currency manipulation. American products are often placed at a competitive disadvantage when a foreign government under-values its own currency, driving down the cost of products manufactured in that country, and hurting American businesses and manufacturers. Sutton's last amendment would have ensured that all imported food and products from Peru meet the same safety standards and inspection standards as those in the United States.

"Workers and their families in Akron and Lorain and other communities throughout Northeast Ohio and the rest of the nation simply want a government that works with them, not against them. They want a good job that will allow them to care for their families, put food on the table and help them send their children to college."

Bill Introduced to Withdraw From Peru Agreement

Immediately following the House vote on the agreement, Congressman Michael Michaud (D-ME) introduced a bill that would withdraw from the agreement. Congresswoman Sutton is one of the original cosponsors.

Contact: Zach Ragbourn at 202-225-3401