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Rep. Lipinski Supports American Workers and Manufacturers; Votes No on Bill to Fast-Track Bad Trade Deals (June 12, 2015)

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) released the following statement after the votes involving Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) – commonly known as Fast Track – took place today:

“House Republican leadership pursued a two-step effort to pass fast track trade authority, and today that effort failed.  While they were able to get part of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill passed on a razor-thin vote, another portion failed miserably.  Without another vote, the bill can’t go to the President and be signed into law.  We will apparently be reconsidering the vote that failed early next week, with TPA supporters struggling to keep their bill alive.

“I think today’s vote demonstrates that many of my colleagues share my sentiment that TPA is bad for the middle class and American manufacturing, and I’ll remain opposed to it when it comes back up for a vote next week.”

Below is the speech Congressman Lipinski (IL-3) delivered on the House floor today in opposition to TPA:

“I rise today in strong support of American workers, American manufacturing, and the environment, and in strong opposition to TPA.  TPA is woefully inadequate when it comes to stopping currency manipulation, enforcing labor standards, and protecting American consumer and environmental protections.  This is exactly the wrong time for Congress to be giving up its authority – which is our constituents’ ability to have a voice – on trade deals. 

“Don’t let anyone tell you that all business favors this.  Lapham-Hickey Steel, Independence Tube, Taubensee Steel, and countless other manufacturers across my district oppose it.  Ford Motor opposes it.  They know past trade agreements sold as economic boons have hurt their businesses and they are gravely concerned about how the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), enabled by TPA, will hurt kill more American jobs. 

“We need fair trade, a level playing field, and American workers will win.  But that is not what they’re being given.  It is time for Congress to stand up for the middle class and American manufacturing and stop passing bad trade deals. Vote no on TPA.”