| New Dems Meet with USTR Kirk on U.S. Trade Agenda |
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New Dems support creating global opportunities for American businesses and workers Washington, D.C - Today, the New Democrat Coalition hosted a meeting with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Ron Kirk to continue an ongoing dialogue on how to strengthen the U.S. economy through trade and international cooperation. New Dem members are committed to promoting global opportunities for American businesses and workers by opening up new markets to American goods and services.Following the meeting, 31 New Dems sent a letter to President Obama applauding his call for new export initiatives, bolstering enforcement of existing trade agreements and strengthening our relationships with key trading partners. Full text of the letter is included below.
(Pictured L-R: Rep. Schwartz, Rep. Bean, Ambassador Kirk, Rep. Crowley & Rep. Smith) "Increased international business opportunities for U.S. companies and workers through strong trading relationships will provide for long-lasting American job creation and support long-term economic growth," said New Democrat Coalition Leadership. "It is important that our trade policies level the playing field for American goods and services, build upon and expand our trade relationships, bolster our national security and protect US interests. The New Dems thank Ambassador Kirk for his visit and we look forward to helping the Administration advance a trade agenda that will create new opportunities for U.S. businesses and workers." "The Office of the United States Trade Representative is committed to doing our part to meet President Obama's goal of doubling American exports in five years," Ambassador Kirk said. "Meeting with Congressional leaders like the New Democrats gives us an important opportunity to talk seriously about the job-creating potential of trade. Today's meeting is just one example of USTR's ongoing effort to engage with all members of Congress to shape a trade policy that works better for all Americans and creates jobs here at home." New Democrat Coalition leadership: Chair Representative Joseph Crowley (NY-07), Vice-Chairs Representative Melissa Bean (IL-08), Representative Ron Kind (WI-03), Representative Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), and Representative Adam Smith (WA-09). The New Democrat Coalition is a Coalition of 67 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are dedicated to the prosperity and security of American families and businesses. 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 http://ndc.crowley.house.gov. ***Text of letter referenced above is below: Dear President Obama: As members of the New Democrat Coalition (NDC), we write today to continue our dialogue on the importance of a balanced and proactive international trade policy. We were heartened to hear you articulate in your State of the Union address the need to expand U.S. exports, including by strengthening our trade relations with key partners. We agree wholeheartedly that America must not accept second-place when it comes to revamping our economy. Trade is critical to preventing an entrenched recession in the U.S., and an increase in exports is needed to restore growth and create jobs as much as it is critical to rebalancing the global economy. Trade accounted for approximately 25% of our domestic GDP in 2009. That is an economic reality that we cannot ignore and must work aggressively to expand. We want to reiterate our desire to work with you to reduce the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that are currently impeding our nation's economic growth. In your address to the nation you stated, "We have to seek new markets aggressively, just as our competitors are. If America sits on the sidelines while other nations sign trade deals, we lose the chance to create jobs on our shores." Indeed, other nations have not hesitated to move forward aggressively on their own trade barrier reducing treaties. In the meantime, U.S. farmers, manufacturers and service providers are missing out on the advantage of a level playing field and will be forced to adjust to standards that put us at a competitive disadvantage. That is why we are eager to work closely with your administration to push forward on critical pending bilateral and multilateral agreements that will protect and open markets for U.S. investment with enforceable labor and environmental standards, which help drive more than 50 percent of U.S. exports today. We also commend your new National Export Initiative, an effort which will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, as well as modernize and reform our export controls. There is no doubt that exporting more in the areas where we have a competitive advantage is critical to creating American jobs and balancing the U.S. trade and financial deficits with the world. As we transition away from consumption-led growth, we will need investments and exports to become engines of growth. The NDC stands ready to work with you to create and push a 21st century trade policy that will advance America's interests at home and abroad, as well as help put Americans back to work. Sincerely, Released 2/4/2010 |
