Rep. Todd Young Helps Support Job Growth with Free Trade Agreement Votes
Press Release
Citing their positive impact on job creation and the economy, Rep. Todd Young (R-IN9) voted in favor of passing three new free trade agreements between the United States and Colombia, Panama and South Korea. All three overwhelmingly passed in the House (262-167, 300-129 and 278-151 respectively), and are expected to pass quickly through the Senate.
"In a global economy, we have to give American businesses every advantage we can and open up every market possible for their products," said Young. "Other countries are outflanking us by signing trade agreements that allow their products to be sold more cheaply than ours. These new agreements help us get that competitive edge back so that we can put more people back to work."
Young also noted the importance of Republicans and Democrats, including President Obama, working together on the agreements.
"I hear from Hoosiers every day who want us to put partisan differences aside and focus on real solutions to help create jobs. This is an example of exactly that, and I hope it's the first of many steps we'll be taking in coming months to get our economy moving again."
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Seymour Tribuneran an op-ed by Young in today's edition that took a deeper look at the positive aspects of these trade agreements. It can be read online at http://www.tribtown.com/opinion/seems-32544-steps-bipartisan.html
According to data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in the 9th Congressional district foreign trade is responsible for
* $4 billion in exports to all countries,
* $2 billion in exports to free trade partner countries,
* And supports 10,000 jobs.
According to the same data, in the state of Indiana trade is responsible for
* $28 billion in exports to all countries,
* $14 billion in exports to free trade partner countries,
* And supports over 75,000 jobs
These numbers are expected to grow with access to new markets, especially in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
Source