America’s economic history is rooted in the exploitation of labor. It’s a lesson worth remembering, but not a history of yester-years alone. Our existing trade deals, like #NAFTA, impose an economic model built on cheap labor where profits matter more than people.
This system undermines the rule of law w/ a global race to the bottom. Trade is not just about goods. It's about people. It's about workers. It's about communities. Unfortunately, President Trump’s renegotiated NAFTA 2.0 does little to remedy the mistakes of the original NAFTA.
That's why I'm introducing the Independent Secretariat for Fair Trade Deals Act. We need a trade model that respects workers & builds strong mechanisms for labor enforcement. My bill will establish an independent Labor Secretariat to monitor & enforce transnational labor issues.
My bill requires any trade agreement include enforceable labor standards and protections; sets Congress’ expectations that objectives will apply to all workers regardless of immigration status, and establishes collective bargaining standards across borders.
If the President expects the #USMCA to be ratified by Congress, he should amend the text of the agreement to include equal labor standards and enforcement mechanisms as are referenced in this legislation.
In our globalized world, we need fair trade among free people. That’s why I am calling for swift action on the Independent Secretariat for Fair Trade Deals Act. kaptur.house.gov/media-center/p…
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🧵Today as we celebrate President Jimmy Carter’s 100th Birthday, I think back fondly on my proud service in his administration and the indelible impact he had on our great nation and the American experiment. 1/8
Despite his high intentions to heal our nation and set it on a course for prosperity and opportunity for all following pathbreaking Civil Rights progress passed into federal law during the 1960’s, we faced many challenges. 2/8
As President, he not only achieved passage of the creation of the US Departments of @Energy and @USEDGov, he also brokered the most significant Middle East Peace agreement in modern history, between Israel and Egypt. 3/8
🧵 My heart 💖 extends to the family, friends, and constituents of our dear, indefatigable, omnipresent colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas. 1/2
What an amazingly faithful sister and Representative was she. It is hard to conceive her essence has transformed to the supernatural. Her life on earth packed a century and a half of effort into her 7+ decades. She never stopped. 2/5 amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/07/19…
Her persevering voice for justice at home and abroad was tireless. Whether the concern involved America’s forgotten children or intractable global conflicts, Congresswoman Lee was present and engaged. She was tireless in her service. 3/5
🧵Rosalynn Carter—beloved spouse of President Jimmy Carter and mother to their family and our nation—has blessed our Republic for over 3/4 of a century. Her perpetual kindness, wisdom, faithfulness to family, community, and country are legendary. Her patriotism had no bounds. 1/5
As #FirstLady, she perseveringly and with her matter-of-fact manner elevated the plight of mental illness to national attention—As a farm wife, the footage of her carrying her sewing machine into the @WhiteHouse stirred surprise and even criticism in many privileged quarters. 2/5
She tried to show struggling families at home and abroad how to be more self-sufficient. As a White House policy staffer at the time, I had the privilege of working with her as an ally in neighborhood revitalization in some of the most forgotten corners of America. 3/5
This week working with @RepDwightEvans, I reintroduced the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act, legislation that provides nutrition security for seniors and families while supporting our local farmers, markets, and food banks. Think Local!
Dollar for dollar, the senior & family Farmers Market Nutrition Programs are among the most effective programs across America. By connecting farmers with more of their neighbors, we ensure those in need have a meal at the table while uplifting growers & producers who feed us all.
This bill would improve and expand two long-standing federal initiatives that connect seniors and families with farmers markets and food stands. I’ve long championed these efforts to provide affordable, nutritious food to tens of thousands of Ohioans, while helping local farmers.
Democratic and Republican Members of Congress representing the congested northern Ohio rail corridor are eager to address aging rail infrastructure, increased traffic and rail safety. The stakes are too high for more delay.
We must also look to the future and come together to protect workers and deliver transformative and safe commercial and passenger rail solutions.
While the #RAILAct begins to address the multitude of problems, there will be more work needed to fully address the longstanding issues that have led to three major derailments in Ohio in the last six months alone.
I share the pain, anguish, frustration, and fear of so many who demonstrated peacefully across our region & U.S. this weekend. The rate that black Americans die during police interactions and the deficient responses their families receive from our judicial system is a disgrace.
It is our duty to snuff out all forms of hate and racism. Those protesting peacefully are patriots. Their demonstration is as the Founders envisioned and they deserve respect and admiration for seeking a better America. They will make our country stronger.
To the small minority of people who've resorted to violence, consider the lasting effects such chaos will have on communities struggling already. “Darkness can't drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate can't drive out hate; only love can do that.” - MLK Jr.