WASHINGTON, D.C. – The President’s nominee for United States Trade Ambassador, Michael Froman, yesterday committed to visiting a New Balance facility in Maine and to working with the domestic shoe manufacturer to address concerns surrounding potential reductions in current trade protections that are critical to the preserving the company’s economic health and protecting Maine jobs.

The commitment from Mr. Froman occurred yesterday after Senator King objected to the Senate proceeding to his nomination. Mr. Froman pledged during a phone conversation with Senator King to visit a New Balance facility in Maine and to work closely with him and the company to address their concerns. Following the conversation, Senator King released his objection. The Senate is expected to confirm Mr. Froman next week.

Senator King has repeatedly urged the Office of the Trade Representative, including former Ambassador Kirk and Acting Ambassador Demetrios Marantis, to forego any discussion during the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations of reducing or ending rubber and plastic footwear tariffs because of the potentially catastrophic result it could have for New Balance and its employees.

As a follow-up, Senator King sent Mr. Froman a letter today, thanking him for their conversation and reiterating his concern regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.

“This is not a casual cause for me. My resolve stems from a longstanding belief that trade must be fair and that companies that strive to keep jobs in the U.S. have a right to expect their government to have their back. Companies that confront the panoply of laws and regulations that exist to protect our workers and environment should not be forced by their government to compete at a significant disadvantage against foreign companies that have few if any similar requirements. Any trade agreement that costs an American worker their jobs does not make sense,” wrote Senator King.

“I appreciated our conversation and your commitment to working with New Balance to address their concerns. I also look forward to welcoming you to Maine to visit one of their facilities in the next few weeks. Thank you for your willingness to address these issues, which are critically important to Maine workers. Finally, as I explained last night, if the TPP, when finalized, does not adequately address the needs of US athletic footwear manufacturers it would be very unlikely that I would support its passage.” 

The full text of the letter is below:

June 14, 2013

Ambassador Nominee Michael Froman

The White House

Washington, DC 20502

Dear Mr. Froman,

Thank you for speaking with me Thursday evening.

Last August I visited the New Balance shoe facility in Norridgewock and met with many of the hardworking men and women at the plant. They spoke to me about the tremendous sense of pride they feel for their work and the importance of their jobs not only to their families, but to the larger community as well.  At the forefront of their mind was also the very real concern surrounding the security of their jobs, particularly if the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) reduces or removes the current footwear tariffs that are essential to leveling the playing field with international footwear producers. 

 I walked away from New Balance that day determined to do everything in my power to protect and keep those jobs in Maine if I were fortunate enough to be elected their U.S. Senator.  

This is not a casual cause for me. My resolve stems from a longstanding belief that trade must be fair and that companies that strive to keep jobs in the U.S. have a right to expect their government to have their back. Companies that confront the panoply of laws and regulations that exist to protect our workers and environment should not be forced by their government to compete at a significant disadvantage against foreign companies that have few if any similar requirements. Any trade agreement that costs an American worker their jobs does not make sense.  

Since August 2012, I have contacted the Office of the United States Trade Representative several times and have not felt that my concerns, on behalf of my constituents, have been taken seriously or appropriately addressed. Although I was reluctant to place a hold on your nomination, I felt I had no other option to emphasize the strength of my conviction on these issues.

I appreciated our conversation and your commitment to working with New Balance to address their concerns. I also look forward to welcoming you to Maine to visit one of their facilities in the next few weeks.

Thank you for your willingness to address these issues, which are critically important to Maine workers. 

Finally, as I explained last night, if the TPP, when finalized, does not adequately address the needs of US athletic footwear manufacturers it would be very unlikely that I would support its passage.    

Moving forward I anticipate continuing to work on these critical issues with your office and wish you every success in your new position.

Sincerely,

Angus S. King Jr.

United States Senator

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