Newsday has said of Congressman Meeks' strong support for trade policies, "constituents will reap the benefits of new markets for U.S . products… Open trade…will mean more airport business, translating into more job opportunities for his constituents."
Congressman Meeks' stance on economic policies has been characterized by Crain's New York Business as, "political courage to do what is best for New York ."
Congressman Meeks has shown his willingness to do what is right for his district's economic development even when faced with pressure to go with the path of least resistance. He has fought to bring broad bipartisan support for free trade agreements in Congress while also pushing for a successful conclusion to the WTO Doha Development Agenda.
He knows that smaller free trade agreements are no substitute for the export and investment potential that depends on a successful Doha Round. There is no more direct way to increase America's exports flow than through the huge markets in the nations that comprise two-thirds of American trade; Canada, Mexico, EU, Japan, China, and the up and coming contenders Brazil and India.
To help facilitate a breakthrough on services negotiations, Congressman Meeks has introduced the Business Facilitation Bill to address mode 4 concerns. He has a critical focus on keeping NY's services sector strong. In particular, he works to maintain New York City's status as the world's financial services capital, and America's third largest exporter and transportation hub. To that end, he is a co-chair of the U.S. Congressional Services Caucus with over 70 members focused on ensuring that America sustains its services trade surplus and competitive edge.
Congressman Meeks knows that trade policies combined with a comprehensive national workforce focused agenda will ensure continued U.S . leadership in fast growing industries. He continues to look for ways to balance economic policies with the necessary safety nets that will help American workers adjust to the global economy. He supports legislation that guarantees health insurance for all dislocated workers, ensures portable pensions, and lowers college tuition particularly for families that are experiencing economic hardship.
