Capito Votes To Expand Trade And Multiply Number of Customers For WV Goods And Services

Statement

Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass long-stalled trade agreements with Columbia, Panama and South Korea. All three agreements enjoy bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate.

"These trade agreements will help West Virginia manufacturers, farmers and services providers reach new customers around the world. West Virginia does over $1 billion in business with free trade partners, and this number could be even higher once we lower barriers. We want the whole world to have access to West Virginia-made products and services because increased international demand creates local jobs," stated Capito. "The American people have been asking us to find areas of agreement that will create jobs; this is one of those areas and I'm pleased to see us acting on it."

Capito also supported the streamlined Trade Adjustment Assistance program which helps displaced workers get back on their feet. The program--which does not add to the deficit--provides temporary income support, limited tax credits to pay for health insurance and skills training.

"By the administration's own estimates these trade agreements will generate over 250,000 new jobs. That said, some Americans have found themselves out of work as the global economy has shifted. TAA will help re-train West Virginians to make them as globally competitive as possible," stated Capito.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, trade directly supports over 15,000 jobs in West Virginia in industries such as manufacturing, mining, forestry and agriculture.

Source