Reid Statement On Fast-Track and Trade Agreements

Statement

Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement after the Senate voted to advance fast-track trade legislation:

"It is no secret that I have never voted for fast-track or a trade agreement. In the 20 years since we enacted NAFTA, there has been no compelling, concrete evidence to show that America's trade agreements create American jobs or raise American wages. At a time when we as a country are struggling to enact policies that strengthen America's middle class, I do not believe that we should pass legislation that could hollow it out.

"At its heart the debate over fast-track is one about large corporations versus everyday Americans. Once these big trade deals are complete, big businesses and foreign corporations will be just fine. Everyday Americans will be the ones left to struggle. Small businesses will have to compete against foreign competitors who often refuse to play by the rules. And we concede that factories will close in the face of this unfair competition. That is why Senate Democrats insist that Trade Adjustment Assistance be renewed -- to help those American workers whose jobs we know will be lost because of these trade agreements.

"My colleagues who support this legislation are acting in good faith based on what they believe is right. 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."

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