Senator Collins Votes To Protect Maine Workforce And Keep Jobs In America

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement after voting in opposition to the trade bill considered today by the United States Senate:

“Workers across Maine have a hard-earned reputation as some of the most industrious and dedicated employees in the world. Today, I voted against the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation to protect Mainers from the disadvantages and unfair competition this legislation could impose on our workforce. TPA would pave the way for the Trans Pacific Partnership, which could jeopardize many American jobs.

“I am especially concerned about Maine’s manufacturing and shoemaking jobs, some of which stand to be directly threatened by TPP. New Balance, for example, employs nearly 900 workers at three Maine factories. I am concerned that TPP would penalize companies like New Balance that have remained committed to American manufacturing, rather than moving all of their production jobs overseas.”