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Quotes from the BLUE TEAM regarding today's TPA passage in congress
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.):“I’ve said this –if I can’t explain it back home, I can’t vote for it. This is one, Mr. President, I could not explain back home. I could not make the people feel comfortable this was going to improve the quality of life and opportunities for them and their families.”
Manchin explained that the Trans-Pacific Partnership would lower trade barriers with countries such as Vietnam, where workers make as little as 50 cents an hour and “are not going to be as tough as we are in human rights [and] on environmental quality.”
Manchin explained that the Trans-Pacific Partnership would lower trade barriers with countries such as Vietnam, where workers make as little as 50 cents an hour and “are not going to be as tough as we are in human rights [and] on environmental quality.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio):
“This is a day of celebration in the corporate suites to be sure, because they have another corporate-sponsored trade agreement that will mean more money in some investors’ pockets, that will mean more plant closings in Ohio and Arizona and Delaware and Rhode Island and West Virginia and Maine and all over this country.
"How shameful," Brown said. "We’re making this decision knowing that people will lose their jobs because of our action."
"How shameful," Brown said. "We’re making this decision knowing that people will lose their jobs because of our action."
National People’s Action executive director George Goehl:
“Coming out of this vote, we double our resolve to build an independent political movement to replace Wall Street Democrats with politicians who put everyday people before corporate profits.”
"The virtual silence of the leading Democratic candidate for president shows the stranglehold corporations have over both political parties."
"The virtual silence of the leading Democratic candidate for president shows the stranglehold corporations have over both political parties."
Robert Borosage, codirector of the Campaign for America’s Future:
“Today's vote is a vote to continue the ruinous trade policies of the last decades that have racked up 11 trillion in trade deficits, shuttered tens of thousands of factories, and had direct and dramatic effect on undermining the middle class, and lowering wages and security for working people. Those who voted for it voted for more of the same. And they did so to serve the interests of special interests, not the common good; of contributors, not voters.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.):
"This legislation was supported by virtually every major corporation in the country” while it was opposed by “every union in this country working for the best interests of working families, by almost every environmental group and many religious groups.
In my view, this trade agreement will continue the policies of NAFTA, CAFTA (the North American and Central American free trade agreements), permanent normal trade relations with China, agreements that have cost us millions of decent-paying jobs.”
In my view, this trade agreement will continue the policies of NAFTA, CAFTA (the North American and Central American free trade agreements), permanent normal trade relations with China, agreements that have cost us millions of decent-paying jobs.”
Sen Sheldon Whitehouse(D-RI):
"I’m disappointed that my colleagues voted to prohibit Congress from improving future trade agreements. Past trade pacts have hurt Rhode Island workers, and I believe we need a new trade policy that puts jobs, our environment, and worker safety ahead of the interests of international corporations.’’
Sen Elizabeth Warren(D-MA):
“This battle is not over, and I will continue to fight against efforts to use fast-track to jam through trade deals that are big giveaways to multinational corporations.”
Sen Al Franken(D-MN):
“I believe the fast track authority legislation advanced in the Senate today falls far short of ensuring that trade agreements will truly benefit Minnesota workers, communities, and businesses,” Franken said in a statement after the vote. “At home, we’ve seen what happens when we don’t have — and just as importantly, can’t — enforce strong trade protections: countries like China unfairly dump their goods into our country, and as a result, 1,000 Minnesotan jobs are on the chopping block.”
Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch:
"The vote only came about via elaborate legislative contortions and gimmicks designed to hand multinational corporations their top priority.
Such contortions were necessary because the American people overwhelmingly oppose these deals, notwithstanding an endless barrage of propaganda."
Such contortions were necessary because the American people overwhelmingly oppose these deals, notwithstanding an endless barrage of propaganda."
May Boeve, executive director of 350.org:
"We’re outraged that Congress today voted to fast track pollution, rather than the job-creating clean energy we need to address climate change. It's clear this deal would extend the world’s dependence on fracked gas, forbid our negotiators from ever using trade agreements in the fight against global warming, and make it easier for big polluters to burn carbon while suing anyone who gets in the way. That’s why we’re so disappointed President Obama has taken up the banner for ramming this legislative pollution through the halls of Congress, in a way he never pushed for a climate bill."
Sen Harry Reid(D-NV):
"My colleagues who support this legislation are acting in good faith based on what they believe is right," said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid in a statement. "I simply disagree with them. Every day in this chamber, we make a choice about whether we will serve large business interests or America's middle class. Today, I believe we made the wrong choice."
Asked by a reporter Tuesday what was next for the trade package, Reid said: "I am the wrong person to talk to. I hate the whole program. So, talk to somebody that likes it. I hate it."
Asked by a reporter Tuesday what was next for the trade package, Reid said: "I am the wrong person to talk to. I hate the whole program. So, talk to somebody that likes it. I hate it."
http://ourfuture.org/20150623/senate-votes-to-fast-track-jobs-out-more-corporate-power-in
http://ripr.org/post/reed-whitehouse-oppose-obama-fast-track-trade-deal
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2015/06/23/obama-trade-agenda-clears-key-procedural-hurdle-senate/OjPAOVAROSo68PNPQr49SK/story.html#
http://www.startribune.com/senate-reverses-course-and-allows-fast-track-trade-debate/303797731/
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/23/great-day-corporate-america-us-senate-passes-fast-track
http://www.nationaljournal.com/congress/obama-s-fast-track-bill-inches-another-step-forward-20150623
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