Nidec's Lexington Expansion Is Great News for the People of Henderson County
Senator Corker released the following statement after Governor Bill Haslam, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe, and Nidec Motor Company officials announced that the company will invest $18 million to expand its Lexington operation, creating 300 new jobs.
“Friday's announcement that Nidec will invest $18 million in Lexington and create 300 new jobs is great news for the people of Henderson County,” said Corker. “This is yet another example of how Tennessee’s business-friendly environment, combined with the pro-growth tax reform legislation I supported on the federal level, has our state firing on all cylinders. I thank Nidec for deepening their commitment to the Volunteer State and look forward to the company’s continued growth in West Tennessee.”
Welcoming Tennesseans to Washington
Last week, Senator Corker welcomed students with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association's youth program to Capitol Hill.
Senator Corker last week welcomed students and parents visiting Washington with the Tennessee Historical Society for National History Day.
On Thursday, Senator Corker met with a Germantown student and her family during their visit to the Capitol.
Seeking an Up-Or-Down Vote on an Amendment to Require Congressional Approval of National Security-Designated Tariffs
Last week, Senator Corker sought an up-or-down vote on his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require congressional approval of tariffs designated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).
“I haven’t heard a single senator on our side that hasn’t expressed concern to the president directly about what’s happening with tariffs,” said Corker. “Our farm folks are worried about NAFTA. Our auto manufacturers are worried about Canada and Mexico and what’s happening in Europe. Our steel and aluminum folks are concerned. I haven’t heard a person that hasn’t had some degree of concern. And all my amendment would do is say, ‘Look, Mr. President, you go negotiate, but when you finish, come back, and as senators and as House members, let us vote up or down.’”
“I was asked to find a solution to this ‘blue slip’ issue, and I found one that’s used as customarily as waking up in the morning and drinking a cup of coffee,” added Corker. “It happens all the time. This in no way has any effect on our ability to pass the NDAA in a timely fashion.”
“I can’t believe it,” continued Corker. “I would bet that 95 percent of the people on this side of the aisle support intellectually this amendment. I would bet that. I would bet higher than 95 percent. And a lot of them would vote for it if it came to a vote. But, no, no, no. ‘Gosh, we might poke the bear,’ is the language I’ve been hearing in the hallways… If people don’t like it, they can vote up or down. People can vote up or down. But, no, the United States Senate right now, on June the 12th, is becoming a body where, ‘Well, we’ll do what we can do, but, my gosh, if the president gets upset with us then we might not be in the majority. And so let’s don’t do anything that might upset the president.’”
Corker's legislation has attracted broad support from a wide array of businesses and organizations.
Click here or on the image above to watch the senator's floor remarks.
Corker also met last week with Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland to discuss the importance of free trade between the United States and Canada.
Looking Forward to Secretary of State Pompeo Sharing Details About the North Korea Summit
Last week, Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump met with Kim Jong Un in Singapore.
“While I am glad the president and Kim Jong Un were able to meet, it is difficult to determine what of concrete nature has occurred,” said Corker. “I look forward to having Secretary Pompeo before our committee soon to share his insights and look forward to carrying out our oversight responsibilities.”
Meeting With Warrior-Scholar Project Veterans
Last week, Senator Corker met a group of veterans enrolled in the Warrior-Scholar Project to discuss the Constitution, separation of powers, and the many challenges facing our country. Warrior-Scholar Project is a nonprofit working to provide mentoring for enlisted service members wishing to attend a four-year university.
Discussing HaitiChildren's Outstanding Work
Senator Corker last week met with HaitiChildren -- a nonprofit that provides care and education to abandoned, orphaned a disabled children in Haiti -- to discuss the outstanding work they are doing in the country.
