Van Hollen: Trans-Pacific Partnership Fails the Test for Maryland Workers

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement after text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was made public:

"The test for any trade agreement is very simple: does it help American workers; does it create more American jobs; and does it raise wages for American workers. The TPP unveiled today fails that test for many reasons, including the issue of currency manipulation. Provisions to prevent currency manipulation fall outside of the agreement and are not enforceable. They will not prevent other countries from manipulating their currency to make their products artificially cheaper, unfairly competing with goods made in America.

"The environmental chapter also fails to adequately safeguard critical resources. Marylanders deserve better than an empty promise. For Maryland workers, families struggling with stagnant wages, the health of our environment, and many other reasons, let's say no to TPP."

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