Robert Berry: “I rise today as a proponent of expanded trade opportunities for Americans. I support renewal of traditional trading…”

“I rise today as a proponent of expanded trade opportunities for Americans. I support renewal of traditional trading authority for the President, and I will vote today in favor of H.R. 2621. My vote today should not be an indication that I agree with the process that led us to vote at this time. In fact, I strongly disagree with the timing of this vote. I disagree with those Members who claim that we are voting on fast track today solely because fast track is a good idea. If the majority party wanted to pass fast track we could have voted on it last November; or January, February, March, or any other date before now. Likewise, we could vote on this next spring when we all return. The timing of this vote will jeopardize this much needed legislation from eventually passage. People are playing politics with the global economy, and I find that shameful. At this precarious time we should be more prudent. The timing of this vote sends a signal to the world's economies that the United States is not ready to engage them in the marketplace.”