Rep Tim Walberg Votes To Expand American Exports and Support American Workers

Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walberg voted in favor of H.R. 3078, 3079, and 3080 to expand trade with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, and Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2832 to provide Trade Adjustment Assistance. All passed the full House of Representatives.

“Today I voted to reduce foreign trade barriers to expand American exports and support American jobs, but we also need to repeal the government takeover of health care, increase American energy production and improve the tax and regulatory climate to help grow our economy over the long term,” said Congressman Tim Walberg

“In an ever changing global marketplace, it is very important for our American workforce to be well trained so they can support their family with a job and help America remain the number one economy in the world,” added Walberg.

Facts:

• One in three American manufacturing jobs depends on exports.
• One in three American farm acres is planted for exports.
• More than 50 million Americans work for companies that engage in international trade.
• New Markets for American produced goods- 73% of the world’s purchasing power, 87% of its economic growth, and 95% of its consumers are outside of the United States.
• Specifically, manufacturing sectors in Michigan’s 7^th District that are expected to expand exports include: machinery, chemicals, transportation equipment, computer and electronics products, and processed foods.
• In 2010, Michigan exported $135 million to Colombia (up 177% since 1997), $21 million to Panama (up 86% since 1997) and $750 million to South Korea (up 132% since 1997).

Supportive organizations of the trade agreements include:

• American Farm Bureau
• National Association of Manufacturers
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce