Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree renewed her strong opposition to giving President Obama "fast track" trade authority that would let him push trade deals through Congress without the opportunity to modify provisions that might cost American jobs.
 
"We don't know exactly what's in these trade deals because they've been negotiated in secret.  But if past trade deals like NAFTA are any indication, they are not going to be good for American workers," Pingree said.  "These trade deals need more transparency and debate, not less."
 
House leaders may hold a vote as early as tomorrow giving the President fast track authority. Under "fast track," Congress would not be able to modify or amend trade agreements, and would only be allowed an up or down vote on the treaty.
 
"NAFTA went into effect 20 years ago and we can see the damage it's caused, particularly on manufacturing jobs in Maine and around the country.  It wasn't a good deal for American workers and I'm concerned that some of the new deals being negotiated could be much worse," Pingree said.