Courtney Statement on Vote to Oppose Fast Track Authority

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement after voting against fast track authority to limit Congressional oversight of free trade agreement negotiations:

“Eastern Connecticut has borne the harmful impacts of previous flawed trade agreements, as jobs have been shipped overseas, leaving workers and their families to pick up the pieces. Having personally met with many displaced workers in our region whose jobs fell victim to international markets distorted by unfair trade practices, I am deeply concerned that this six-year fast track authority lacks critical safeguards on currency manipulation, food safety, and consumer protection.

“The bill before us today fails to address these concerns, and represents a missed opportunity to create a balanced, effective trade policy for our country. In a convoluted and cynical attempt to force fast track authority through the House, Republican leadership held critical job training assistance for those who lose their jobs from overseas competition hostage. I could not support this flawed policy, and I hope that we will revisit this issue with a balanced approach that protects American consumers and jobs.”