USW Applauds U.S. Senate Vote to Delay Fast Track Bill

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate failed to invoke a procedural legislative maneuver called cloture to grant President Obama proposed fast track trade negotiating authority.

"Senator McConnell's efforts to enact fast track failed because the American people made clear that they want a new approach to trade. They want an open, honest debate about what it will take to promote job creation, increase wages, reduce our unacceptably high trade deficit, promote broadly shared prosperity and prioritize environmental sustainability.  

"American working families are tired of Washington politicians telling them what's economically best. We are all living today's reality of trade policies that have accelerated offshoring and outsourcing of good jobs.  Working Americans don't want their elected leaders using a rubber stamp for a trade deal that is hidden behind a veil of secrecy."

Republican Senate Majority Leader McConnell invoked cloture to limit debate on the fast track bill, prohibiting important trade measures sought by Democratic leaders from being included in any Senate-passed bill. The Republican majority tactic to cut off a full debate on measures that improved U.S. trade laws such as renewing Trade Adjustment Assistance and limiting currency manipulation failed to get the required 60 votes.

The USW national Rapid Response Network of local union activists participated in multiple actions with key Members of Congress that involved demonstration events, dial-in calls and postcard deliveries to urge opposition to the fast track bill. Last month, the USW sponsored a 'No Fast Track' rally and lobby day of 1,200 coalition supporters that included the voices on stage of U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Al Franken (D-MN).

For USW resources on why the Hatch-Wyden-Ryan Fast Track (S.995/H.R. 1890) bill is wrong: CLICK HERE.

Contact:  Gary Hubbard, 202-256-8125, [email protected] Wayne Ranick, 412-562-2444, [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080131/DC12982LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usw-applauds-us-senate-vote-to-delay-fast-track-bill-300082093.html

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)