DeLauro Statement on Possible TPP Rules of Origin Agreement

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on news that Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiators agreed to a 45 percent rules of origin standard for vehicles manufactured in TPP nations.

“This news, if true, is very alarming. This morning, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, demanding that the rules of origin standard in the TPP exceed the standard set under NAFTA. I am troubled to hear that our Administration is going to move forward on a free trade agreement that would greatly lower this standard. More than 20 years of job loss and wage suppression under NAFTA has taught us that we must do better for U.S. automakers and parts suppliers and the workers they employ. On the eve of National Manufacturing Day, this is terrible news for U.S. auto workers and domestic manufacturing. This approach, if agreed to by the negotiators, could put in jeopardy the support of both Democrats and Republicans from auto producing states who were expected to support this Agreement’s passage.”




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