US Senator Joni Ernst is praising a proposed trade deal that she hopes will improve Iowa’s international export industries.
Ernst was in the senate chambers while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pushed congress to approve the Trans Pacific Partnership, a controversial free-trade deal. Ernst says the deal will improve the state’s economy and criticizes those who think the deal will cost American jobs.
“Our ag economy, our manufacturing base, it continues to grow in Iowa as we open up additional markets,” Ernst told KBUR, “From what we’ve seen in recent years, we’ve seen growth, instead of a loss of jobs. Now, that isn’t to say that we haven’t had other areas where jobs may have moved, but overall we’ve seen a huge boost to our economy from international trade.”
Opponents of the deal are criticizing the secrecy in which it is being discussed, and are saying it will lead to further outsourcing of jobs overseas and possibly will undermine US Sovereignty.
