STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON SENATE ADVANCING TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on today’s Senate vote advancing vitally important Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation:
“The Senate’s vote today to advance Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is a win for Arizona’s economy and our nation’s leadership in the world. This bill would ensure that U.S. trade negotiators will have fast-track authority to complete trade agreements that create U.S. jobs and eliminate unfair trade barriers, while requiring full transparency before Congress votes on any trade deal.
“These trade agreements hold tremendous potential for Arizona workers and businesses, since our state exports some $19 billion in goods and services annually – trade which supports more than one-in-five jobs that pay 18 percent higher salaries.
“While I’m proud of the Senate’s vote today, I have been disappointed that Arizona’s House Democrats have chosen to curry favor with their labor union allies rather than stand up for the people of Arizona, who have so much to gain by opening markets and creating jobs by expanding trade.
“America cannot afford to wall itself off from the vast opportunities that lie across our borders. The legislation advanced today is critical to opening new doors that will grow our economy and solidify our enduring commitment to a secure and prosperous future.”
Trade agreements have already had a profound impact on the growth of Arizona’s economy. Our state exported $19.4 billion worth of goods in 2013, constituting more than 7 percent of its GDP. Since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect in 1994, Arizona’s exports to Canada and Mexico have increased by $5.7 billion, or 236 percent. More than one-in-five jobs in Arizona is supported by international trade, which pay on average 18 percent higher salaries. Meanwhile, imports to the state have lowered the costs of raw material, allowing Arizona companies to remain competitive and reducing the costs of products for Arizonan consumers. Simply put – free trade is good for Arizona, and good for America.
The regional trade agreements currently under negotiation, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), would unlock new opportunities for Arizona workers, manufacturers, small businesses, farmers, and ranchers by providing increased access to some of the fastest-growing markets in 11 Asia-Pacific countries, generating much-needed job creation. The TPP has been projected generate over 17,000 new jobs in Arizona and significantly expand foreign direct investment in the state.
Read Senator McCain’s recent op-ed in the Arizona Daily Star for more information about the impact of TPA on Arizona’s economy.
STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON REPORTS THAT VA WILL REQUEST TO MOVE FUNDING AWAY FROM VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs will request that Congress move funds for the Veterans Choice Program, which was established under the Veterans Access, Choice & Accountability Act signed into law last year, to other VA programs:
“With its latest budget problems, the Department of Veterans Affairs has once again demonstrated that it cannot manage the taxpayer resources it has been given to meet the needs of our nation's veterans. Congress has approved every budget increase for the VA since 9/11 – in many cases going above and beyond increases requested by the VA – and yet the Department continues to tell us how it is short of funding. In this year’s Budget Resolution, Congress provided the VA an additional $6 billion to hire VA doctors and nurses, and another $5 billion for new building leases and construction projects. Despite adding this money on top of the VA's already-large budget, veterans continue to wait for care.
“The VA admits that we have veterans continuing to languish on a waiting list while the Choice Card goes unused. It is clear that the VA has no interest in expanding choice for veterans because the veterans I hear from who qualify for the Choice Card have to jump through a variety of bureaucratic hoops to use it.
“Congress was recently forced to authorize more than $100 million more in spending on a single VA hospital that is already more than $600 million over budget – double the Department’s original estimate. Now, Congress may have to act again to prevent the VA from denying millions of veterans the flexibility they want and need in their healthcare because of the Department’s repeated mismanagement. It is past time that the VA holds officials accountable for wrongdoing and delivers the flexible, quality healthcare that our veterans have earned and deserve.”
STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON SOUTH CAROLINA LEADERS’ SUPPORT FOR REMOVING THE CONFEDERATE FLAG FROM STATE CAPITOL GROUNDS
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today issued the following statement on South Carolina leaders’ statement on removing the Confederate battle flag from the state Capitol grounds:
“I am very proud of the statements by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott supporting the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the state Capitol grounds. I have long believed that to be the right decision to move our nation forward in reconciliation.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the terrible, hate-filled act of violence in Charleston last week, and to all the people of South Carolina at this most difficult time.”
