Danny Davis: “When the United States enters into trade agreements, the objective should be to advance the standard of living for…”

“When the United States enters into trade agreements, the objective should be to advance the standard of living for working families in our country and abroad. Just like the average family in Illinois' 7th Congressional District. They are impacted by this trade agreement whether they like it or not. My hope is for them. They want what you and I want--to provide, to the best of their ability, for their loved ones. My hope is for the people in the district, so that they can obtain a Living Wage, a wage that allows workers to lead a dignified life while working in a safe and healthy environment--an environment that respects their needs as a worker and a human being. Their struggles and desires are not so different from yours and mine. They want to put clothes on their children's back, they want to put food on the table, have access to reliable transportation, live in adequate housing and be able to obtain affordable child care for their children. Their issues need to be taken into account and be an active part of this debate. We need to engage the people in this debate--for we are playing with their livelihoods. I hope for a trade agreement that will help to broaden our economy, help eradicate poverty, while bringing jobs and a decent quality of life to all of those involved. However, based upon recent reports, NAFTA as a trade agreement and trade model, has not met its promises.”