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Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) voted against all trade legislation up for a vote today before the U.S. House of Representatives, citing multiple negative effects the proposed policies would have on American jobs, the U.S. trade deficit, drug prices, the environment, food security, and consumer protections. More than 18 months ago, Tonko launched an aggressive campaign against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Trade Promotion Authority (TPA or “Fast Track”).

Tonko’s statement on today’s votes is below:

“Since NAFTA, supporters of so-called ‘Free Trade Agreements’ have made promises of new jobs, shrinking trade deficits, and enhanced labor and environmental standards. You don’t have to leave Upstate New York to know every one of these promises have been broken. These horrible trade deals – negotiated in secret for months without the American worker at the table – are like NAFTA on steroids, period.

“Trade deficits are the heaviest anchor weighing down a strong economic recovery, and these bills feed trade deficits by shipping manufacturing jobs overseas, turning a blind eye to currency manipulation by foreign nations, and removing any hope at a level playing field for American exporters.

“Under Fast Track, Congress needlessly cedes to the executive branch its constitutional authority over trade negotiations that enable us to ensure future deals do not harm the environment, public safety, or food security. No president of the United States of America – regardless of his or her political party-- should have the ability to push through trade deals that affect billions of individuals across the planet without a thoughtful and thorough debate from Congress.”

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