Celebrating American Workers
This weekend we celebrated the annual Labor Day holiday. While the day off was a welcome break for many and a reminder of how hard Americans work, my goal is to ensure our agricultural and manufacturing sectors are kept in mind every day.
We know by now that government cannot create or save jobs; that is what the private sector does. Therefore, I believe the federal government should be pursing policies that help create opportunities for our farmers and small businesses to grow.
I am committed to reducing trade barriers, creating fairer trade and setting the stage to move American industries forward in the world marketplace. However, for America to remain competitive in a global economy other nations must operate on a level playing field with us.
If the President and his allies in Congress really want to help create jobs, they should immediately submit and approve the pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea to Congress. These trade agreements won't require a tax increase or add to our national deficit. If undertaken properly they will create good-paying jobs through new – and previously untapped – market access for American exports.
At the end of the day, I believe American farmers and manufacturers can compete with anyone in the world as long as it's on a level playing field. Rather than trying to tax, spend and bail our way to prosperity; Congress and the Administration ought to help create the conditions for economic growth through fair trade.
Sincerely,
