Recently votes were cast in the House and Senate regarding the president’s push to support fast track. Many Mainers understand that fast track authority simply means that trade bills can be negotiated secretly, with no accountability, and with no amendments. Currently the United States has trade agreements with at least 20 countries, most notably NAFTA.

Initially, both the House and Senate defeated the president’s push for fast track authority, but the most recent votes show the House supporting it, with the Senate achieving cloture by one vote, 60-37.

Many of my friends and co-workers contacted our congressional delegation in opposition of fast track and unfair trade deals because they undermine our ability to compete with countries that do not enforce environmental regulations or labor laws and engage in currency manipulation.

While some folks call these “fair trade” agreements, there is nothing fair about creating an atmosphere where a country can manufacture, ship and sell a product cheaper than we can make it in the United States.

I am proud to say that our Maine senators and representatives — Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Angus King, Rep. Chellie Pingree and Rep. Bruce Poliquin — listened to their constituents and did not vote in support of fast track authority, thereby acting in the best interest of all Maine people.

Cindy Rancourt

United Steel Workers, Local 4-9

Skowhegan