Campbell joins legislators from 48 states in a bipartisan call to end investor-state dispute settlements and protect state rights

Yesterday, on the first day of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) annual summit. State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) joined more than 300 state legislators calling for the elimination of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) from all U.S. trade and investment agreements.

The bipartisan letter opposes trade deals “with investment chapters that provide greater substantive or procedural rights to foreign companies than U.S. companies enjoy under the U.S. Constitution.” Legislators emphasize that the ISDS in existing foreign trade agreements continues to threaten state initiatives in public health, clean energy, digital privacy and data security.

Rep. Campbell released the following statement regarding the letter:

“The ISDS allows foreign corporations to undermine the authority of our state. Foreign investment is certainly a positive for our community due to the high-wage jobs, development and infrastructure updates they promise. Sadly, outdated trade rules like the ISDS harm our local, homegrown businesses and our state’s initiatives.

“Foreign investors are given the upper hand since they can sue the state for damages. States aren’t awarded the same power. By fervently protecting foreign investments, the ISDS inhibits states from implementing reforms and legislative programs that harm foreign companies even if they’re in the public’s best interest. This letter is a call for action to protect our local businesses and American taxpayers.

“It’s time we eliminate this antiquated system and put America first always.”