Explore Candidates President Joe Biden on Trade and Economics

Joe Biden on Trade and Economics

Joe Biden's running mate is Barack Obama
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.
Joe Biden opposes unrestricted free trade

"There ain't no such thing as free trade unless it's fair trade,'' the Delaware senator said. He also warned that the U.S. is too dependent on Chinese credit. "We have to get off sucking that breast that is China,'' Biden said.

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"I don't think we should be talking about protectionism. I think we should be talking about fair trade, balanced trade. And you got to be able to, in order to be able to have reasonable trade agreements, you've got to have some labor standards and some environmental standards or it's just a race to the bottom."

Kudlow & Company 5:00 PM EST CNBC August 8, 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 & 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

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

Voted YES on extending free trade to Andean nations

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

Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam

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

Joe Biden supports an increase in the federal minimum wage

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 minium wage.

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

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Joe Biden is neutral on government subsidies to farmers

Voted Yes on replacing price farm supports.

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

"I think we have to cut back farm subsidies for the agribusiness organizations," said Biden. "Small farmers are being killed in my state."

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Joe Biden supports normal diplomatic and trade relations with China

"Is China an ally or an adversary? They're neither. The fact of the matter is, though, they hold the mortgage on our house. This administration, in order to fund a war that shouldn't be being fought and tax cuts that weren't needed--we're now in debt almost a trillion dollars to China."

2007 AFL-CIO Democratic primary forum Aug 8, 2007

"Our top priority should remain integrating China into the community of nations, articulating the rules of the road, and then holding the Chinese government accountable for its actions."

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In 2000, Biden voted for the U.S.-China Trade Relations Act, which normalized trade with China.

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