Congressman Garamendi Votes Against Trade Agreements Because They Would Cost American Jobs During an Economic Downturn

Congressman Votes for Assistance for Displaced Workers

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) yesterday joined most of his Democratic colleagues in the House in opposition to the so-called free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. In a separate vote, Garamendi supported Trade Adjustment Assistance, which would help workers who lose their jobs due to foreign trade.

As a former Chair of California's Commission for Economic Development and as a small business owner, Garamendi supports fair trade that would open markets for American businesses and support job growth. In Congress, he and his Democratic colleagues are championing a Make It In America agenda that would increase manufacturing and strengthen America's middle class. In stark contrast to this pro-growth agenda, these trade bills would give American companies incentives to move production offshore, driving unemployment rates upwards at a time when producing American jobs should be the highest priority.

While the trade pacts would narrowly open doors for American exports, they would throw America's door wide open for imports. Fox example, the U.S. would be able to ship 25,000 cars to South Korea, but South Korea would be permitted to ship 150,000 cars into the United States.

"Washington should fight for American jobs – not give them away with unfair trade deals," Congressman Garamendi said. "This week, a majority in the Senate voted to create millions of American jobs with the American Jobs Act and with a bill to level the playing field with countries that manipulate their currency. Unfortunately, Republican House leaders continue to bring legislation to the floor that would increase the emission of toxic air pollutants, including mercury, and now, a bill that will cost thousands of American jobs."

"These unbalanced trade deals would undermine our ability to Make It In America, to innovate and manufacture, and to create American jobs," Garamendi continued. "By not adequately addressing trade barriers, the illegal dumping of products, and ongoing currency manipulation, these FTAs will further increase our trade deficit."

Garamendi continued, "While millions of Americans remain out of work through no fault of their own, this Tea Party-ruled Republican Congress continues to ignore basic economic principles, jeopardizing jobs and threatening our economic recovery. In this environment, I will continue to fight against the outsourcing of American jobs."

Garamendi also opposed the trade pacts with Colombia and Panama due to ongoing violence toward trade unionists in these nations.

"I want to express my solidarity with workers in Colombia and Panama who, for decades, have suffered intimidation and horrific violence," Garamendi said. "Workers in America and around the world must have the right to collective bargaining without threat to their personal safety. These pacts, while well intentioned, do not go far enough in guaranteeing this right. As President Reagan once said, 'One of the most elemental human rights [is] the right to belong to a free trade union.'"

While opposing the trade bills, Garamendi expressed ardent support for renewal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which expired in February. The TAA program provides health insurance, worker training, and other benefits to U.S. workers who lose their jobs because of foreign trade.

"Trade Adjustment Assistance plays an invaluable role in helping American workers displaced by trade to find new work opportunities," Garamendi said. "Throughout my career, I have advocated for health coverage and job retraining. These two tools are invaluable for American workers trying to rebuild their lives after losing their jobs through no fault of their own."

To learn more about Trade Adjustment Assistance visit https://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/.