In western Pennsylvania, we have been particularly hard hit by the flawed trade policies of the past.  Since 2000, our region has lost over 210,000 jobs.  Congressman Altmire is committed to rebuilding our nation’s manufacturing industry and improving benefits for American workers.  He has pledged to support only trade policies that put American workers first and benefit western Pennsylvania’s economy and families.           

The U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement

Congressman Altmire voted against the U.S.-Peru free trade agreement when it was considered by Congress last year.  Although he was supportive of the labor and environmental improvements made to the agreement, Congressman Altmire was troubled by the fact that, like its predecessors NAFTA and CAFTA, the agreement does not fully protect the American people.  He also had concerns that the Bush Administration would not adequately enforce the agreements labor and environmental standards.  For more information, see [Altmire Statement on Peru Free Trade Agreement].   

Assisting Workers Displaced by Trade

Congressman Altmire co-authored and voted in favor of a bill that would improve benefits for workers who have lost their jobs due to trade policies.  The legislation would significantly improve the Trade Adjustment Assistance program by providing displaced workers with career counseling, job training, and income support.  For more information, see [Altmire Introduces Trade Adjustment Assistance Reforms].

Addressing China’s Unfair Trade Practices

Congressman Altmire teamed up with Republican Congressman Phil English in a bipartisan effort to assist our nation’s manufacturing community. The Supporting America’s Manufacturers Act (H.R. 5960) would ensure that local manufacturers, such as Wheatland Tube, who have been extremely hard hit by unfair trade policies, have access to the tools necessary to fight back against Chinese imports. For more information, see [Altmire, English Unveil Bill to Help Manufacturers Hurt by Trade with China].

Congressman Altmire has been a champion in pushing for legislation to address the dangers created by tainted Chinese imports.  On numerous occasions, he has called for action to protect American consumers and manufacturers and voted in favor the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act (H.R. 4040), which was signed into law on August 14, 2008.