Political Quotes

“while this Member supports the Appropriations Committee's decision to increase the Trade and Development Agency's budget to a paltry $45 million, I believe that a larger increase in funding would be warranted for this agency which has achieved remarkable success in increasing U.S. exports through targeted export promotion. Secretary of State Christopher recommended funding TDA at $60 million for FY95 and, upon questioning, the agency's head indicates that TDA could productively utilize $120 million. One of TDA's activities is to provide grants for U.S. consultants on feasibility and design teams for multilateral development bank (MDB) projects. By promoting the use of U.S. consultants, engineers, architects, and other design and planning personnel, at the earliest stage for these projects, U.S. goods and services are more likely to receive the detailed design, construction, equipment, and maintenance and resupply business for such MDB financed development projects over the long term. Currently, our European competitors and Japan greatly outspend the United States in this 'trust fund' game to the detriment of our United States exporters. Today's long-awaited General Accounting Office report on 'tied aid' practices of United States competitors indicates that the Japanese outspend the United States by approximately $5 for every $1 we devote to this important purpose.”