Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward has commented on the ongoing status of the USS/Nippon partnership. In her statement, she emphasized the role of former President Trump in keeping the deal viable. “If it were not for President Trump, this deal would not be alive today,” Ward stated.
Ward highlighted that the process surrounding the partnership has been unconventional. She expressed her focus on the interests of workers, communities, and businesses that have supported the deal. “I am less concerned about the media’s reporting and more focused on the workers, communities, and businesses who bravely supported this deal because they knew it was right for them,” she said.
The Senate leader conveyed confidence in the negotiating parties, commending Nippon/USS as good faith brokers with a worker-centric approach in their offer and investment. “I remain confident in the negotiating parties. Nippon/USS have been good faith brokers from the start with the workers at top of their mind in their offer and investment,” Ward noted.
Ward also praised Trump’s involvement for enhancing prospects for America through this partnership. “President Trump not only gave this deal another chance but also made it better for America,” she added.
Concluding her remarks, Ward acknowledged the contributions of workers involved in reaching this point in negotiations: “The grit and grace of the workers got us here – I love and support them. Now let’s get this deal done.”
