WASHINGTON, DE — Congressman John Carney today released the following statement regarding his planned vote in opposition to Trade Promotion Authority:
 

"When I think about trade, I think of the people back home. I think of the GM worker who had to go to Ohio for work when the Wilmington plant closed. I think of the guy at Claymont Steel who’s still looking for a job. These are the folks who sent me to Washington, and they've told me loud and clear -- they're worried this bill paves the way for a trade agreement that leaves them behind. So am I.
 

"As the saying goes, ‘when in doubt, don’t.’ I have pledged many times that as Delaware’s lone representative in Congress, I would support free trade agreements only if they lead to a net benefit in jobs and economic growth in Delaware. After a year of study, I’m still not assured that the trade agreement currently being negotiated will meet that standard.
 

"There's a lot good to say about the bill the House will vote on today -- the intellectual property protections will help Delaware companies, the strong sanitary standards for poultry will help Delaware farmers, and increasing trade with other countries will help Delaware business owners expand into new markets. I believe that overall, trade is good for our economy. But at the end of the day, it's my job to make sure we're looking out for all Delaware workers, not just some. I'll continue to push the Administration to come up with a final agreement that hits that mark. In the meantime, though, I can’t support a bill that leaves out those middle class Delaware workers who form the backbone of our economy."

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