State of Connecticut Archives: on Free Trade

Chris Murphy: Buy American Act for government purchasing

Bysiewicz criticized Murphy for not pushing to have NAFTA renegotiated since it has cost the country 1 million manufacturing jobs. Murphy said he agreed with her that free trade has not been fair trade and he was opposed to NAFTA.

Susan Bysiewicz: Renegotiate NAFTA; it cost 1 million manufacturing jobs

Susan Bysiewicz: Make changes to NAFTA; close loopholes to send jobs overseas

Bysiewicz proposed closing tax loopholes that encourage companies to set up shop overseas and making changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement. She also advocated for more federal funding for scientific research and development. "It's that kind of investment that can help create jobs, and something that the federal government has not been doing, and should," Bysiewicz said.

Murphy proposed stronger "Buy American" laws, which would have the federal government buy more U.S.-made products. He also pitched in repairs to roads and rail lines, which he said would not only create construction jobs but also improve the local economy in general. "If you want to bring jobs to Connecticut, you have to focus on infrastructure," Murphy said.