January 23, 2017

New Democrat Coalition Chair and Trade Taskforce Co-Chairs Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order on the Trans-Pacific Partnership

New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04) and New Dem Trade Taskforce Co-Chairs Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Gregory Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP):

“If the Trump administration wants to promote America First in trade, America must set the rules of the global economy, not withdraw from trade agreements.  Hastily withdrawing from agreements like TPP cedes American leadership not only economically, but also geopolitically.  Without American leadership, we will not see strong labor and environmental standards, protection for intellectual property and restrictions on state-owned enterprises. Withdrawing from TPP without having an alternative allows China to fill the void and sets far less fair and progressive rules. In order to remain a leader in the global economy – particularly in the Asia-Pacific region – we must continue to engage on the world stage and put American interests first.

“New Democrats support a pro-growth, pro-worker trade agenda where we set the rules for the global economy, not have them set by others.  We need to focus on winning the economy of the future, not the economy of 50 years ago.  That means writing the rules of trade to elevate standards while leveling the playing field for American workers, businesses, and farmers.”



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