Rep. Sykes, House Democrats Advocate For Trade Policy That Protects American Workers, Digital Privacy, And The Environment
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) joined every freshman Democrat in the 118th Congress on a letter to President Biden urging that the proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and other pending trade agreements include strong worker and environmental protections and digital provisions that protect consumers and foster fair competition.
“Northeast Ohio built one of the strongest middle classes we’ve ever seen. But when jobs were shipped overseas due to past trade policies, our hope and opportunity for our communities was also shipped away,” said Rep. Sykes. “I’m proud to partner with my fellow new Democratic members of Congress to advocate for trade policies that put workers first, protect our digital privacy, and combat climate change. I will continue to prioritize a fair trade agenda that will create good-paying jobs and expand opportunities for businesses in Ohio’s 13th District, all while ensuring a level playing field in the global market."
IPEF is a proposed trade agreement between the United States and 13 other Indo-Pacific nations that would set rules governing approximately 40 percent of the global economy. It is one of several U.S. trade initiatives currently under negotiation.
The letter — which was drafted in cooperation with Citizens Trade Campaign, a national coalition of labor, environmental, family farm, faith, and consumer organizations working together to improve U.S. trade policy — reflects both Congressional members’ and civil society groups’ interest in partnering with the administration to advance trade policies that contribute to a more fair and sustainable global economy."