12 August 2008

Draft Democratic Platform Calls for More FTAs, Tougher Trade Enforcement

This article is excerpted from the 12 August 2008 edition of “World Trade Interactive”.

The draft Democratic platform for this fall’s presidential and congressional elections indicates that the party supports international trade but intends to take a number of measures to ensure that it strengthens the U.S. economy while laying a foundation for sustainable growth abroad….

Trade Agreements. “We will negotiate free trade agreements that open markets to U.S. exports and include enforceable international labor and environmental standards; we pledge to enforce those standards consistently and fairly. We will not negotiate free trade agreements that stop the government from protecting the environment, food safety or the health of its citizens, give greater rights to foreign investors than to U.S. investors, require the privatization of our vital public services, or prevent developing country governments from adopting humanitarian licensing policies to improve access to life-saving medications….

“We will work with Canada and Mexico to amend the North American Free Trade Agreement so that it works better for all three North American countries.”

Enforcement. “We will enforce trade laws and safeguard our workers, businesses and farmers from unfair trade practices–including currency manipulation, lax consumer standards, illegal subsidies, and violations of workers’ rights and environmental standards. We must also show leadership at the World Trade Organization to improve transparency and accountability…. ”

Domestic Reforms. “We will invest in a world-class infrastructure, skilled workforce, and cutting-edge technology so that we can compete successfully on high-value-added products, not sweatshop wages and conditions. We will end tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs overseas, and provide incentives for companies that keep and maintain good jobs here in the U.S. And, we will also provide access to affordable health insurance and enhance retirement security, and we will update and expand Trade Adjustment Assistance to help workers in industries vulnerable to international competition, as well as service sector and public sector workers impacted by trade, and we will improve TAA’s health care benefits. …”