(WASHINGTON) – The following is the official statement of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa in response to the House’s rejection of a Senate-approved fast track trade package that would have made it easier for bad trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to move through Congress.

“For more than two decades, the Teamsters and our fair trade allies have stood up for workers and all Americans by fighting to stop fast track. And today, the House saw the light and joined with us in opposing the big business agenda.

“In rejecting the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) portion of the trade package this afternoon, a resounding bipartisan majority of lawmakers agreed that workers don’t want to be retrained for a new career – they want to keep the good middle-class jobs they have now. Despite the fact the House also approved the fast track portion of the package doesn’t change that. The House considered the same joint legislation that the Senate passed last month and said no.

“The battle, however, does not end here. The Teamsters and others who stand with American families must remain resolute. Corporate cronies are likely to try to get TAA and fast track through the House again as soon as next week. Workers’ voices need to continue to be heard on Capitol Hill.

“For now, though, we congratulate lawmakers for seeing through the rhetoric and deciding to side with the people over the powerful. The future for Americans workers isn’t better with fast track. Real job security comes from rejecting this measure.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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