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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined Congressman Peter DeFazio (OR-04) in introducing a Blueprint for America’s New Trade Policy, a resolution outlining principles that must be included in any replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). 

“Michigan is the heart and soul of the American auto industry, and since NAFTA passed, we’ve seen factories shuttered and jobs lost, we’ve seen real income drop for too many workers, and we’ve seen too many families lose hope,” said Dingell. “We now have a real opportunity to renegotiate this failed trade agreement in a way that puts working families first. President Trump said this would be one of his top priorities. This resolution provides a roadmap to level the playing field for the American worker and bring jobs back to this country. We’re here and ready to get to work.”

The resolution has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, United Steelworkers (USW), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Public Citizen, and Citizens Trade Campaign.

The resolution includes adding strong, enforceable protections against currency manipulation and requiring strong rules of origin for cars and auto parts, which is critical for Michigan’s economy and the domestic auto industry. Currently, NAFTA rules require that automobiles be only 62.5 percent “made in North America” to qualify for duty-free treatment. The resolution requires that the auto rule of origin be upgraded so that 90 percent of a product must be made in North America.