Press Releases

D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding the new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which President Trump is expected to sign tomorrow at the G-20 summit in Argentina:
 
“When President Trump first announced his intent to renegotiate NAFTA, I was hopeful that we could get a better deal for American workers. Sadly, once again, he has overpromised. His NAFTA 2.0 plan does nothing to enforce or improve labor standards. 
 
“If President Trump’s NAFTA plan does not include penalties for outsourcing, corporations will continue to send jobs to Mexico, pay those workers poverty wages and flood our market with cheaply-produced goods made elsewhere.
 
“It’s outrageous that one week after 13 federal agencies issued a report warning of the dire effects of climate change, this plan doesn’t even mention efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, hold polluters accountable or invest in renewable energy.
 
“I am disappointed to see more sweeteners for big Pharma in President Trump’s new NAFTA deal. At a time when drug companies are raising prices and making record profits after receiving a multi-billion dollar tax cut, this deal inexplicably extends market exclusivity for drug companies. This will stifle generic competition and undercut efforts to help working Americans who cannot afford to pay more for medicine.
 
“I hope the Trump administration will work with Congress to address these significant issues and support American workers, as he’s long promised to do.”