Maine Democratic Party

Press Room

Get Involved
Write a letter
Contribute
Network
Volunteer
Invest in Blue



Press Releases

Michaud Meets with USTR on Trade Agenda

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representative Mike Michaud, Chairman of the House Trade Working Group, met with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk to talk about a new way forward on trade policy in anticipation of President Obama's speech this summer on trade.  Michaud was joined by Representatives Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Bruce Braley (D-IA), Michael Arcuri (D-NY), Phil Hare (D-IL), Betty Sutton (D-OH), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).

"I applaud the Administration's recent decision to delay moving forward with the Panama Free Trade Agreement until after they address the nation on their broader trade agenda," said Michaud.  "It also appears they are not willing to move forward on the Colombia deal until the continuing labor and human rights problems are resolved."

The discussion focused on the TRADE Act, which currently has 111 cosponsors, including half of the Democratic full committee chairman. 

"Working together, we can help define a fair trade policy that will help put America back to work," said Michaud.  "This is the opportunity to instill meaningful reform to ensure that our trade policy not only benefits the bottom lines of multi-national corporations, but also creates opportunities for American businesses and American workers and promotes strong labor and environmental standards throughout the world."

In addition, the group expressed that the Bush-negotiated free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea need to be renegotiated and that there needs to be a new framework on trade (similar to the principles included in the TRADE Act).  In addition, the group expressed their interest to crack down on China for currency manipulation and expressed frustration with the Treasury Department's recent report that China is not manipulating its currency.

"We look forward to working with the Administration and hearing from the President on the upcoming trade agenda," said Michaud.

# # #