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Trade
I have long been concerned about the impact of "free trade" measures for a variety of reasons. I believe that they can too often expose American manufacturers and workers to the pressures of unfair competition. While I firmly believe that American industry can compete against anyone, activity has to occur on something remotely resembling a level playing field. Agriculture interests, in particular, have been sold out repeatedly in past trade negotiations. I have seen first-hand the adverse effects past trade agreements have had on New York workers and farmers.
I opposed passage of both the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trades (GATT) in part because I was not convinced that American business, labor, and agricultural interests would be treated fairly or equitably under the terms of the agreements.
I opposed extending Presidential Trade Promotion Authority in 2002 (commonly referred to as “fast track authority”) because I believe that, as your representative, I should have every legislative tool available to ensure that the interests of the 23rd congressional district are addressed in any trade agreement.
During the 108th Congress, I voted against Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Chile. While I support free trade, I believe that its goal must be tempered by an agreement that both limits unfair subsidies and provides workable enforcement mechanisms. For example, I supported the US-Australia FTA because dairy provisions within the agreement were negotiated to ensure a level playing field for America's dairy farmers.
More recently, I voted against the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the Oman Free Trade Agreement.
The fact is, a number of free trade agreements have not been good news for of industries primarily located
throughout the 23rd district, and I have to question the wisdom of further accelerating this disturbing trend.
The reality is that employees of over 40 major upstate New York businesses have received Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) from the federal government since 2000 – specifically because the companies for which they worked were forced to close or substantially downsize due to foreign competition. Every portion of the 23rd district has been directly, and negatively, impacted by these job losses, from the Nestle plant and Schoeller Technical Papers in Oswego County, to Kraft and Alcoa up in St. Lawrence.
These cutbacks are devastating, both to our communities and to our neighbors who suffer through the loss of their livelihoods.
I will continue to work to both advance legislation that expands trade adjustment assistance and to assist constituents and companies when they apply for these programs.I have long been concerned about the impact of "free trade" measures for a variety of reasons.
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