Rep. Tom Tancredo - Friend or Foe?

Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2003 6:52 PM

JOB DESTRUCTION NEWSLETTER

www.ZaZona.com

Rep. Tom Tancredo from Colorado has been getting a lot of praise for
his bill to abolish the H-1B Visa - H.R. 2688. In addition he gave a
passionate speech on the House floor recently that questioned why we
are still importing H-1B workers while there are so many unemployed
Americans.

So why did Tancredo vote to give Bush the Trade Promotion Authority
(TPA) which was used to make the Free Trade Agreement with Chile and
Singapore (or CAFTA)? Could Tancredo be throwing us a bone with HR 2688
while secretly providing a back door for unlimited numbers of guest
worker visas?

I discussed these questions with Colorado resident Richard Armstrong,
webmaster of http://www.hireamericancitizens.org. We decided that the
best way to find out where Tancredo stands on CAFTA was to call and
ask. Armstrong talked to two staffers in the DC office, one was named
Jen. They both said that Tom Tancredo would vote NO on the Chile and
Singapore FTA because of the immigration provisions, and would vote NO
unless the immigration provisions where dropped. Tancredo is a
free-trader but at least he isn't a back-stabber. He is staying true to
form and opposing work visas.

That inspired me to call my own senators to see where they stand, Kyl
and McCain. I haven't received an answer from their office yet but I
will pursue them for answers tommorow.

Do you know how your senator or representative is going to vote? Why
not ask them?

If I get enough responses I might publish a newsletter with their
positions. This would, so to speak, hold their feet to the fire.

Here are some hints if you want to call and inquire:

* Ask for their position on the "Free Trade Agreement with Chile and
Singapore"

* Be sure to get the name of the staffer and the date of your call

* You can get most of their phone numbers at:
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/legbranch/legbranch.html

* Be sure to tell them that you oppose this bill because the
nonimmigrant visa provisions will put Americans out of work.

http://www.house.gov/tancredo/newsroom/press/2002/2002_08_06.htm

>From the Office of
Congressman Tom Tancredo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2002 Contact: Lara Kennedy
(202) 225-7882

Tancredo Hails Historic Trade Bill to Open Markets and Create New Jobs

Bush Signs Trade Promotion Authority into Law; Helps Displaced U.S.
Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO) and a
majority of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives
approved an historic trade bill last month to grant the President
greater authority to negotiate trade pacts that help open markets and
create new jobs. Today, President Bush signed the historic trade bill
or Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) into law, which incorporates key
elements of his "Back-to-Work" proposal to expand the federal "safety
net" for displaced workers.

"Free and fair trade creates new jobs while improving the overall
economy," said Tancredo. "Better trade deals lower tariffs and protect
Americans from paying invisible taxes on imported goods."

TPA, also known as "fast track," allows the President to negotiate
trade treaties subject only to Congressional approval or disapproval,
which reserves Congress right to reject or grant any trade agreement
the President proposes. Since this negotiating authority expired in
1994, the United States has been excluded in several international
trade agreements. International trade supports more than 12 million
American jobs and lowers the price of everyday necessities that
American families require. Until today, every President since Gerald
Ford has had the power to negotiate trade deals in this manner.

"Free trade is not only vital to Americas economic well-being, but
crucial in building international business," states Tancredo. "Small
business leaders and farmers depend on access to overseas markets so
they can contend with foreign competitors."

TPA also incorporates key elements of the Presidents "Back-to-Work"
proposal to expand the federal "safety net" for displaced workers,
including provisions to help such workers maintain health coverage for
their families while theyre out of work. Specifically, the proposal
authorizes and appropriates $510 million in special National Emergency
Grants (NEGs) to help displaced workers maintain health coverage,
childcare assistance, and receive job training as the economy recovers
from its current slowdown. It also appropriates $60 million for these
grants in the first year. NEGs are federal grants administered by the
Labor Secretary.

"Im pleased that President Bush has acted to help displaced American
workers and their families," said Tancredo, member of the U.S. House
Education and Workforce Committee. "This bill helps to ensure that
thousands of displaced workers and their families who have seen
difficult times have access to quality health care even as they
struggle to return to work."

Support this Newsletter and ZaZona.com by donating:
www.zazona.com/Donations.htm

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe send an email to

Rob Sanchez is board member of NAEA - www.NAEA.US

Back to archives