PORTLAND (AP) – Democratic Rep. Michael Michaud of Maine and Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio have introduced legislation requiring a review and renegotiation of existing trade agreements.

Michaud says their “Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment Act” aims to fix the current trade model that he says has not served the interests of the majority of Americans.

Michaud says he supports “responsible trade” between the United States and other countries. He says the bill aims to create good jobs in America while offering opportunities for sustainable development in poor countries.

Democratic Rep. Tom Allen of Maine has signed onto the effort. He says the people of Maine and America “are fed up with trade pacts that export our jobs to other countries.”

AP-ES-06-04-08 1453EDT