#No to Fast tracking trade agreements

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When the U. S. negotiates any new foreign trade agreements we are always promised that it will bring more jobs to our shores; but this has not been the case since the first trade agreement was done 30 years ago. The U. S. has entered into 15 trade agreements, partnering with 20 countries: Israel, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and South Korea. Over the years American citizens has seen fewer jobs, lower wages, and a bigger trade deficit. This is because after a trade agreement is said and done many of our trade partners continue to levy steep tariffs on U. S. exports, and have erected other kinds of barriers against U. S. goods and services, leaving American worker plunged in to the unfair side of agreements.

Congressman Lipinski (IL-3) has pointed out that the “Administration promised that the Korea Free Trade Agreement would produce 70,000 new jobs and soaring exports, but since it was implemented in 2012 we’ve seen a loss of 60,000 American jobs and a 25% increase in the manufactured goods trade deficit.” Yet they are using the Korea agreement as a template for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. And we all know that since NAFTA and WTO. thousands of good middle class American jobs have been lost.

Stop the giving away of American jobs – call your legislator and tell them #NoTo Fast Track. This Administration has done enough to hurt our economy now is the time to stand-up and call. Congress, according to the Constitution, is suppose to write laws and set trade policies. U. S. can not afford another secret trade agreement. TPP, if fast-track, will take away policies already put in place that concern our food safety, chemicals, clean environment, financial stability and will take away Americans constitutional rights. Congress is the house of the people, they must be able to ensure the creation of American jobs, raise wages, and safeguard the consumer and environmental protections. No trade agreements should be done behind closed doors or in secret – trade agreements should be open for broader dialogue to ensure the highest fairness for the American citizens.