A staunch advocate of the “cash for clunkers” legislation, Rep. Betty Sutton  of Ohio spoke to delegates to the UAW’s 35th Constitutional Convention on Monday.

Sutton, a Democrat who represents the 13th Congressional District, said the program saved or created 60,000 U.S. jobs. More than 7,000 vehicles were sold through the act, officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System, in just 30 days. Sutton warned that our work as a union and nation is not done, despite the modest turnaround in the economy.
 

“Currently, we have a $7.8 billion auto deficit with Korea. We must have trade policies that work and are fair to American workers,” she said.
 

“This is not about being against free trade; we’re talking about fair trade. This is about the rules of trade and making sure that it’s also fair for us,” Sutton added.
 

Rep. Betty Sutton, an Ohio Democrat, criticized unfair trade deals that allow foreign competitors an unfair advantage over U.S. companies and workers. Photo by Rebecca Cook.

Sutton urged delegates to get involved and stay involved with the issues affecting all workers including free trade, currency manipulation and workers’ rights by writing Congress, making calls and hitting the campaign trails.

“Today we are not just here to talk about our history. We are here to talk about our future. We are fighting literally for the soul of this country,” she said.

Sutton called current trade laws “unacceptable” and urged members to protest passage of any further trade deals initiated under President Bush.

“It’s outrageous, and I will fight it. We have a responsibility to develop trade agreements that allow our workers to flourish. And you can rest assured that I’m going to fight for it,” said Sutton.

“We will not stand idly by and watch our brothers suffer. It’s about Wall Street profits and the middle-class dream. I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you, not just as a member of Congress, but as an advocate on the street fighting for this great nation,” she said.

Gwynne Marie Cobb