Unions launch ad denouncing N.Y. Rep. Rice’s fast track betrayal

WASHINGTON – Today, the AFL-CIO launched a six-figure ad buy that includes this TV ad in the New York City media market calling out Rep. Kathleen Rice for changing her stance on Fast Track. Rice, whose congressional district is the most union dense in the nation, had publicly stated at least twice her opposition to Fast Track.

“Which Kathleen can we trust,” the ad asks at the beginning. The ad then shows two examples of Rice saying she opposes Fast Track trade agreements because they cost American jobs. The ad ends with the question, “Should we ever trust Kathleen again.”

“Congresswoman Rice’s about-face on Fast Track is a complete betrayal not only to the constituents in the 4th Congressional District on Long Island but all working men and women across this country,” said Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO. “The Labor Movement believed in the Congresswoman, as did her constituents, when she promised to make the needs and concerns of working men and women a priority. She has unfortunately buckled to the pressure from corporate interests and has made a conscious decision to vote for Fast Track legislation that will harm working people, our families and the economy.”

Organizations that have been battling Fast Track from the beginning are concerned not only with shipping U.S. jobs overseas, but the threat to food safety, increased pollution and rising prescription drug prices are also disappointed in Rice. (story continues after video)

“In flip-flopping with her recent support for a lousy secret trade deal, Representative Rice hasn’t just betrayed her own public statements and the constituents she promised to protect. She’s also increased the threat of unsafe food and pollution for all Long Islanders. It’s critical that the people Rice has sworn to serve know the truth about her sudden, callous sell-out of their health, safety and economic security,” said Alex Beauchamp, Northeast region director at Food & Water Watch, an advocacy group.

“We are outraged that Representative Rice would break a promise she made to Long Island working families and support Fast Track of the Trans Pacific Partnership,” said Working Families Party State Director Bill Lipton. “At a time when our middle class is being hollowed out and corporations are an increasingly dominant force, it is disturbing to see Rep. Rice betray her constituents and vote for a policy to further empower corporations to set the rules for both our economy and our democracy.”

“Congress can stop this Fast Track bill and prevent more massive, secretive corporate giveaways. But Democrats who side with corporate interests over the interests of regular Americans need to know their vote will​ not​ be forgotten or forgiven. Rep. Rice has changed her mind – but it’s not too late to change it back and do the right thing for her constituents.” Said Justin Krebs, campaign manager, MoveOn.org Civic Action.

This is just the beginning of the advertising onslaught. The ad buy also includes digital ads in Politico, Roll Call, and The Hill.

Hundreds of vocal members rallied at Rice’s district office Monday evening.

Photo: Screenshot from video (see above).