On the recordJune 12, 2015
Many this morning have said TPA will protect American jobs. In Rhode Island, my home State, we know that is not true. TPA will facilitate another bad trade deal that will result in more American jobs being shipped overseas. Those who think this trade deal is good should come to Rhode Island and meet with the men and women who still can't find work after decades of a bad trade deal just like this one. I have listened to former jewelry and textile workers who worked in the once bustling mills in Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Providence, who don't understand why Congress is considering another trade bill that will eliminate more American jobs. My State lost over 40,000 jobs after NAFTA, mostly in manufacturing. Haven't we seen the devastating impact of bad trade deals? Haven't we learned our lesson, that a trade deal that fails to address currency manipulation, that doesn't include enforceable provisions on the environment and on labor is a bad deal for American workers? Of course we need to compete in a global economy. Of course we need to grow our economy. But we need to do it in a way that protects American jobs and protects American workers. We need fair trade, not just free trade. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
