Hoffa Statement on Senate Fast Track Cloture Vote

Teamsters General President Says Senate's Decision To Move Forward With Bill Hurts Workers

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

May 21, 2015, 12:07 ET

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is the official statement of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa in response to the Senate's decision to invoke cloture and cut off debate on the fast track trade bill currently being considered by the chamber.

"For years, the Teamsters and our fair trade allies have stood up for workers and all Americans by fighting to stop fast track. Unfortunately, too many lawmakers in the Senate today decided to side with the big business agenda instead.

"Despite this legislative setback, however, the war is far from over. We will continue this battle in the House of Representatives, where we know opposition to fast track is strong. A bipartisan collection of lawmakers in the House understand it makes no sense to give a quick up-or-down vote to bad trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that will only ship jobs overseas and lower wages in the U.S.

"Fast track is a vehicle that will speed a race to the bottom for our nation's economy. It will allow currency manipulation to flourish under the TPP and could leave U.S. taxpayers on the hook to cover the costs of foreign corporations who sue our government seeking compensation for laws they don't like.

"The future of America and for hardworking Americans isn't better with fast track. And that should be the most important consideration."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Galen Munroe, (202) 624-6911
[email protected]

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters