While President Obama’s push to finalize the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement may be alienating many in his own party, he’s finding common ground with some Kentucky Republicans on the issue.
One member of the state’s congressional delegation who has been vocal in his support is Sixth District Congressman Andy Barr. At a Lexington event Thursday, Barr told WUKY Kentucky stands to benefit from the pact setting new trade rules for the U.S. and eleven other Pacific Rim countries.
"I believe that opening up new markets, particularly in the Pacific, would be tremendously beneficial for the signature industries of Kentucky - where it's manufacturing with Toyota, the 8,000 jobs that are a direct result of foreign investment here in the Sixth Congressional District, our bourbon industry has an opportunity to create new markets and export to both Europe and to Asia," Barr said.
But the deal has drawn fire from legislators in the president’s own party, including Kentucky’s John Yarmuth. Many critics argue the partnership would boost outsourcing, drive down wages, and hurt potential climate deals.
President Obama heads to Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon on Friday to push for authority to seal the partnership.
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