WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Dean of the Ohio Delegation, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Trade Representative’s release of objectives for the pending renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“My position has been clear and consistent on NAFTA. In any new deal, we must create a continental compact that lifts workers and raises wages on all sides of the border,” said Kaptur. “The President spoke a lot about trade issues on the campaign trail in Ohio and throughout the Midwest, and he promised a good deal for the American people. Our job in Congress is to make sure he follows through."

“In the coming days I will be reviewing these objectives to ensure that this outline will help reduce our ballooning trade deficit, and provide both stability and opportunity for our workers and our businesses,” Kaptur continued.

Kaptur is a leading voice for fair trade in the House and has long been an opponent of trade deals like NAFTA that harm workers and favor big corporations. Earlier this year, Kaptur introduced the Balancing Trade Act, which requires the President to address our trade deficit by adjusting our policies with those countries that have a large and continuous trade imbalance with America. Specifically, the Administration would be directed to create a concrete plan to address a deficit with any country with which we have a deficit of $10 billion or more for three consecutive years.

Kaptur also signed on to a letter in June with House Democrats outlining priorities that should be included in any new NAFTA deal.

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