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White House Must Not Allow Special Interests to Stifle Growth

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White House Must Not Allow Special Interests to Stifle Growth

Expanding Trade and Exports Means More Jobs in the U.S.

(Washington, D.C.) – Despite polls showing the American people deeply concerned about job creation and unemployment, the White House is reportedly giving up on efforts to pass a bipartisan proposal that could significantly boost job creation. While President Obama listed the effort as a priority during his State of the Union Address just last month, Vice President Joe Biden recently told Congressional Democrats that passage of legislation to renew the President's Trade Promotion Authority  will not happen in the near future. While the White House reportedly believes that promoting trade and exports would boost the economy, special interest pressure makes this an uncomfortable issue for some in Congress. These Members of Congress are hesitant to support legislation that would require a simple vote on proposed trade deals, which could expand U.S. exports and the jobs that produce them. The bipartisan bill introduced earlier this year by Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) seeks to create a streamlined method for the passage of trade agreements.

Critics of Trade Promotion Authority include the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), a prominent labor union with an estimated 1.3 million members. IBT President James P. Hoffa claims that previous trade agreements have reduced the number of American jobs – which contradicts government estimates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private-sector employment in the United States increased by 21,656,000 during the period of time that the North American Free Trade Agreement  has been in effect.  

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:

“Americans expect the White House and Congress to work together to improve the economy and the lives of the people who elected them. This White House has claimed time and time again, that they are committed to improving our stagnant economy and will reach across the aisle to forge compromises. Expanding trade and exports is one priority with bipartisan support where Members of Congress can work in a bipartisan manner – yet the Administration is willing to bow to pressure from special interest groups.

Trade agreements allow the country to prosper, and they make it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to boost sales. Millions of people are counting on the president to lead by example, keep his promises, and show that a few special interests don't take priority over the common good. This Administration must match its words with action.”

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.

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