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Costa Statement on Trade Votes

June 12, 2015

"After months of careful consideration and meeting with opponents and proponents of the trade package, I voted to support Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). While I agreed with a number of concerns presented by those opposing the trade package, what I found lacking were their solutions to addressing those challenges. In today's global economy, standing by idly as trade agreements are made without us, or starting the current negotiations from the beginning, as the President explained, are not viable options.

"Let us remember why we are engaging in these trade negotiations. We live in a global economy and these trade agreements, if successful, will knock down trade and non-trade barriers that hurt American workers and businesses. If either the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) or the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) are successfully agreed upon, I reserve the right to vote against either measure if I do not believe they support good-paying jobs in our Valley and in our nation.

"It is estimated that 11.7 million jobs nationally were supported by the export of goods and services in 2014. Nearly 800,000 of those good-paying jobs were right here benefitting people in our state, and that number does not even include those supported by services exports.

"Trade is the backbone of California and the San Joaquin Valley's economy. Based on the latest statistics, California alone exported $165 billion in 2013 and $174 billion in goods in 2014; California's agricultural exports were valued at $18.8 billion in 2012 and increased to $19.5 billion in 2013, with the 16th Congressional District accounting for almost one quarter of that total. By supporting TPA and TAA, I am positioning the Valley and its people to succeed. Passing TPA gives our President the strongest possible position at the negotiating table, allows him to move forward with his current trade discussions, and provides certainty to our trading partners. However, it is important to note that giving the President the authority to negotiate a deal does not automatically mean that I will support either or both of the final agreements.

"The reality is that global trade shows no signs of slowing and will only increase in the years to come. For America to remain the top economy in the world, we must actively shape the rules for global engagement, not stand on the side lines. If we walk away, we leave China to take our seat at the table and none of the values America stands for will be reflected in the global trade regime.

"Trade that displaces well-paid American workers and offers no recourse is not acceptable. Protecting American workers, helping our families, and supporting local job training programs must be a priority. We cannot leave displaced American workers without the possibility of job training, job counseling, and other services that could help them be competitive in the global workforce. That is why I fully support the President in refusing to enact TPA without the protections for workers stipulated in TAA. I will continue to fight for a bipartisan TAA and the lifeline it has provided for millions of workers.

"I want to thank all of those individuals and organizations who were passionate in expressing their views on the trade package. I look forward to continuing to work with you on this issue and other matters affecting the people of our Valley.

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