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Christopher Dodd on Trade and Economics

Globalization has become a reality that has challenged traditional economies all over the world. Increased trade and agreements between nations have raised debate in the United States about what is the right balance between global exchange and protectionism. This topic includes information about candidate positions on: free trade and free trade agreements, farm subsidies, unionization, an increase in the federal minimum wage, and trade relations with China.

The issues

Christopher Dodd opposes unrestricted free trade

"I think this requires modification. But we also need to do something else here. In addition to having trading agreements that include labor, environmental, health provisions in them, insisting on those provisions in any trading agreement here, we need to stop exporting the jobs in the country that already are here. I offered legislation by banning the outsourcing of jobs in the Senate."

2007 AFL-CIO Democratic primary forum Aug 7, 2007

"So I do not apologize to my colleagues for feeling as strongly as I do about this. I am a free trader. I voted for NAFTA. I thought it was the right thing to do. I voted to give fast track authority. I voted for the Jordanian agreements and others. I have opposed some as well. I have not been exclusively for them, but I believe in free and fair trade."

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"The fact of the matter is we're exporting a lot of valuable jobs in this country and we shouldn't be doing it."

2007 Democratic Primary Debate at Howard University Jun 28, 2007

Voted NO on free trade agreement with Oman

Bill S. 3569 ; vote number 2006-190 on Jun 29, 2006

Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade

Bill HR 3045 ; vote number 2005-209 on Jul 28, 2005

Voted NO on establishing free trade between US and Singapore

Bill S.1417/HR 2739 ; vote number 2003-318 on Jul 31, 2003

Voted NO on establishing free trade between the US and Chile

S.1416/HR 2738 ; vote number 2003-319 on Jul 31, 2003

Voted NO on extending free trade to Andean nations

Bill HR.3009 ; vote number 2002-130 on May 23, 2002

Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam

Bill HJRES51 ; vote number 2001-291 on Oct 3, 2001

Christopher Dodd supports an increase in the federal minimum wage

"I am a strong advocate that we see to it that we increase it to at least $10."

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In 2006, voted to increase the federal minimum wage.

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In 2007, voted against giving states the right to set their own minimum wage.

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In 2007, voted for an increase in the minimum wage.

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In 2007, voted for an amended bill that would raise the federal minimum wage.

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In 1999, he voted against killing an amendment that would increase the federal minimum wage.

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Christopher Dodd opposes government subsidies to farmers

Voted No on replacing price farm supports.

Agriculture Market Transition Act of 1996; Bill S. 1541 ; vote number 1996-19 on Feb 7, 1996

Christopher Dodd is neutral on normal diplomatic and trade relations with China

Dodd sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Paulson asking him to prioritize currency reform when he visited China.

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Dodd called for the Defense Department to build more submarines to combat the built-up of China's fleet.

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In 2000, Dodd voted for the U.S.-China Trade Relations Act

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The co-chair of Dodd's campaign has advocated engagement and cooperation with China.

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