Press Republican
July 29, 2016
Stefanik touts support for northern border
PLATTSBURGH — Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was in Plattsburgh Friday morning to discuss issues of importance to those on the northern border, including security, commerce and tourism.
She addressed a group of business leaders, government officials, economic development specialists and border personnel to highlight her commitment to address border concerns and support the U.S.-Canada economic partnership.
After the meeting, North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said one of the common concerns expressed was about a bipartisan anti-trade atmosphere in Washington, D.C., that seems to be gaining steam, in particular calls to rescind the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Douglas said any such measures should differentiate between the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and the U.S.-Mexico relationship or any new trade agreements.
“This is the one that is working,” he said.
‘Critical Relationship’
Later Friday, Stefanik told the Press-Republican that she recognizes the importance of the economic ties between the United States and Canada, with one out of five local jobs tied to a Canadian company or one that does business across the northern border.
“Our trade relationship with Canada is critical not only to the U.S. but to the district that I represent,” she said. “Canada is our largest trading partner.”
Stefanik said she also voted in favor of a fully funded five-year highway bill.
“That’s the first time the federal government has done that in a decade, so that was a big achievement,” she said.
That measure is of critical importance to metropolitan transit authorities to ensure funds so they can commit to long-term equipment acquisitions. That, in turn, provides opportunities to build that equipment for local employers such as Bombardier Transportation and Nova Bus/Prevost.
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