The central theme of Senator Cassidy’s speech, which also represents the challenge faced by the United States, is how to ensure that all American citizens have the opportunity to thrive. For Cassidy, doubts about the legitimacy of the U.S. government stem from its failure to not only meet the basic needs of the population but also help them fulfill their aspirations, especially those of middle-class families with jobs related to industry.

In this regard, one of Senator Cassidy’s concerns is the loss of jobs caused by the offshoring of industries to other countries, where labor is cheaper, worker protections are weaker, and environmental standards are sometimes nonexistent.

Reduced regulation lowers production costs, thus increasing the profits of companies operating in countries like China. This situation is unfair both to the U.S. and to the countries with which it has trade agreements, which require them to maintain certain environmental and labor standards that raise their production costs, putting the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage. Additionally, it leads to job losses that directly affect middle-class families but without benefiting others.

A sector that particularly concerns the senator is oil and gas extraction. Cassidy argues that, despite the stereotype, the Republican Party cares about the environment, but transferring this environmental concern to policies aimed at reducing oil production is ineffective in terms of reducing emissions.

This is because, according to the Senator Cassidy, a reduction in extraction by the United States will not reduce energy demand; rather, that gap in supply will be filled by production from other countries. Therefore, for Cassidy, when the U.S. reduces its production, it only exacerbates the problem, as it leads to job losses and shifts energy production to countries like Russia or Iran, where environmental regulations are laxer. This also strengthens their economies and fuels geopolitical tensions between Russia, Iran, and the West.

Regarding foreign policy, Cassidy focuses on the collaboration between the United States and Europe in addressing unfair practices and commercial abuses and the consequences of these for U.S. citizens. Specifically, the senator highlights the rising number of opioid overdoses produced in China and Mexico and smuggled into the U.S. by transnational criminal organizations. These organizations are based outside the U.S. and operate internationally, sometimes even having ties to terrorist organizations. Moreover, with the profits obtained from drug sales, other illegal activities, such as smuggling, are often financed, which, in turn, results in a loss of tax revenue for states, causing harm to the population.

Sofía Alfayate
Communication Assistant, INCIPE