New Dem Chair Encouraged By Progress on Pending Trade Agreements
Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-7), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, released the following statement in response to the letter from United States Trade Representative Kirk to House and Senate leaders on the progress of the pending trade agreements:
“The New Democrats are encouraged by the Obama Administration’s continued progress toward enactment of a comprehensive trade agenda that includes the pending bilateral trade agreements – Korea, Panama and Colombia – and Trade Adjustment Assistance. Korea, Panama and Colombia are strong U.S. allies who have demonstrated their commitment to further improving our nations’ ties by working to address issues of critical importance to the United States. We are heartened by the significant progress that was announced today by the Obama Administration and reiterate our support for further progress so that the United States can finalize the pending agreements and reauthorize TAA for American workers, businesses and our economy.”
Background
The New Democrat Coalition has been a leading voice in Congress advocating for a comprehensive trade agenda that opens new markets and tears down overseas trade barriers for American workers and businesses and strengthens our relationships with global partners. Today, the Administration signaled technical discussions are now underway on the draft implementing bills for all three pending trade agreements – Korea, Colombia and Panama. The Administration also announced that progress has been made by Colombia in accordance with the Action Plan provided by the United States, so that, while there is still more to be done, Colombia can continue to the next step in the process. As the Administration continues to work on the pending agreements, it is crucial that the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program be extended, which has a 50-year history of training our workforce with the necessary skills to compete and win jobs in the global economy.
The New Democrat Coalition is a Coalition of 43 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are dedicated to the prosperity and security of American families and business. Founded in 1997, the NDC provides Members of Congress with the opportunity to advance a common sense policy agenda focused on empowering the U.S. to grow economically and maintain a vibrant job market, preserving the U.S. standing as the world's leader in innovation and technological advancement, and strengthening our economic and national security. For more information, visit the New Dems website at https://ndc.crowley.house.gov.
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