Wyden Statement on Executive Orders Re: TPP and Freezing Federal Hiring

WASHINGTON -- Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement on today’s executive orders regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership and freezing hiring of federal employees.

“Symbolically pulling out of TPP doesn’t do a thing for workers harmed by Chinese dumping of steel and aluminum, and the hiring freeze means fewer trade enforcers on the front lines.  It is shocking that the new President appears more interested in symbolism than protecting American jobs,” Wyden said.

“The Executive Orders announced today have yet to be shared with the Congress.  At this point, there is as much transparency into Trump’s trade policy as there is into his conflicts of interest with foreign governments. Congress just 18 months ago passed major legislation overhauling trade consultation requirements, and requiring the President to consult closely and on a timely basis with Congress and keep members fully apprised of trade negotiations. It is a bad sign that the administration is already trying to make an end-run around the elected representatives of the people.

“With respect to the hiring freeze, it is alarming that this likely means fewer trade enforcers at a time when there is an acute need for more resources to enforce the trade laws that protect American workers from unfair trade. Only a few days in, this is yet another broken promise from the new administration.”

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