TRADE
the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada.
Most opponents of fast track in Florida say they generally support trade, but want Congress to shape the results to protect workers, fend off tainted products and maintain environmental standards.
“Without having seen what the final TPP deal looks like, I cannot agree to approve something that may not be in the best interest of hardworking American families,” said U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach
Florida Democrats opposed to fast track also include Reps. Alcee Hastings of Delray Beach, Alan Grayson of Orlando, Kathy Castor of Tampa, Corrine Brown of Jacksonville and Patrick Murphy of Jupiter.
“In the past, I haven’t seen any trade deal that has helped strengthen the middle class,” said Murphy, a candidate for U.S. Senate. “In fact, I think it’s been the opposite, with a lot of jobs shipped overseas.”
Most Republicans — including former Gov. Jeb Bush, a likely presidential candidate — support fast track.
Caught in the middle is U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston. As chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, she strongly backs Obama, but faces intense pressure from fellow Democrats who fear the results of behind-thescenes trade negotiations.
Activists are urging constituents to call her office, while rounding up opposi- tion resolutions from local officials. The Hallandale Beach city commission is expected to consider such a resolution on Wednesday.
Some activists plan to deliver hand-written letters on Thursday to Wasserman Schultz’ Pembroke Pines office, imploring her to vote against fast track.
“The whole idea that we are in negotiations with human-rights violators is just ridiculous,” said Deborah Dion of Miami, state director of the Citizens Trade Campaign. “There are sweatshops in Vietnam where to go.”
On the other side, Florida business leaders have been huddling with trade officials at the White House to discuss ways to rally support for fast track.
Participants include Craig Mygatt, CEO of SeaLand, a container shipping business in Miramar, and Phil Brown, executive director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Brown emerged from the latest meeting April 29 saying more trade will lead to more flights and air cargo from Pacific nations.
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“That’s how we’re going to grow the pie economically for everybody,” Brown said. “What we point out is that trade means jobs, and high-paying jobs. Export jobs on average pay 18 percent more than most other jobs.”
Spreading that message to members of Congress, he said, “is part of my homework assignment coming out of this meeting.” Wgibson@Tribune.com, 202-824-8256