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Barr: Pacific Trade Deal "Tremendously Beneficial" For Kentucky

President Barack Obama (left), Congressman Andy Barr (right)
Associated Press
President Barack Obama (left), Congressman Andy Barr (right)

While President Obama’s push to finalize the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement may be alienating many in his own party, he’s finding common ground with some Kentucky Republicans on the issue.

President Barack Obama (left), Congressman Andy Barr (right)
Credit Associated Press
President Barack Obama (left), Congressman Andy Barr (right)

One member of the state’s congressional delegation who has been vocal in his support is Sixth District Congressman Andy Barr. At a Lexington event Thursday, Barr told WUKY Kentucky stands to benefit from the pact setting new trade rules for the U.S. and eleven other Pacific Rim countries.

"I believe that opening up new markets, particularly in the Pacific, would be tremendously beneficial for the signature industries of Kentucky - where it's manufacturing with Toyota, the 8,000 jobs that are a direct result of foreign investment here in the Sixth Congressional District, our bourbon industry has an opportunity to create new markets and export to both Europe and to Asia," Barr said.

But the deal has drawn fire from legislators in the president’s own party, including Kentucky’s John Yarmuth. Many critics argue the partnership would boost outsourcing, drive down wages, and hurt potential climate deals.

President Obama heads to Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon on Friday to push for authority to seal the partnership.

Copyright 2015 WUKY

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now known as Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and Program Director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.