Newt Gingrich on Trade Policy

Summary

As Speaker of the House of Representatives, Congressman Newt Gingrich was instrumental in the passage of NAFTA. It is fair to say that NAFTA would not exist without Congressman Gingrich's support and efforts as Speaker. He strongly supported the legislation, and was critical of those who claimed it would result in jobs moving from the US to central America.

In 1993, Congressman Gingrich spoke on the House floor and stated that the idea that Mexico will hijack our industrial base is a myth. He stated that any impact on US jobs would be small and if whatever effects were felt would be beneficial. He also stated that the US could see large financial benefits from NAFTA in 10-15 years (from 1993). He asserted that a prosperous, stable and democratic Mexico would simply be a better neighbor than a poor, unstable and undemocratic Mexico as higher economic growth would ultimately reduce illegal immigration into the United States. Mexicans could stay home and get jobs.

In 2011, Congressman Gingrich was asked about the results of NAFTA and he stated that while it may have caused jobs to go to Mexico, the US is not in competition with Mexico for jobs, but with China.

 

Scare Talk about NAFTA

On Septeber 22, 1993 Congressman Gingrich spoke on the House floor about the NAFTA and scare tactics being used to disuade people against the agreement. He cites a recent Jay Leno show in which most people are unaware of NAFTA's imminent passage.

 

Floor Remarks in Support of NAFTA

On November 17, 1993 Congressman Gingrich spoke on the House floor to make general remarks concerning his support for NAFTA.

 

NAFTA - Jobs in Mexico

In March of 2011, Congressman Gingrich appeared on the Howie Carr radio show and was asked about NAFTA. He touted the jobs created in Mexico as proof of success for NAFTA.

CALLER: Back in the ’90s I remember Ross Perot saying that there was going to be the giant sucking sound of jobs if NAFTA passed. I think it ended up being true, right? And I know you were a big free trader.

GINGRICH: Yeah, well, I don’t think it was true in Mexico. I think the fact is that NAFTA allowed us to build jobs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, in competition with China. I mean, our big competitor is not Mexico. Our big competitor is China and India. And I’d rather have jobs close to the United States than have jobs overseas in places like China and India. That’s why I was in favor of it. … So in a sense, I’d like our neighborhood to be fairly well off and fairly prosperous.

 

Voting Record

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

NAFTA was one of the original free trade agreements and has been the source of much controversy since it's implementation. It passed the house 234-200, with both parties splitting the vote. Newt Gingrich voted in favor of NAFTA.

 

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

This representative has not been identified as sponsoring or cosponsoring significant legislation related to this title.

References

[1] Website: Think Progress Article: Gingrich: NAFTA Worked Because It Created Jobs In Mexico Author: Alex Seitz-Wald Accessed on: 05/20/2011

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