Political Quotes

“I rise in strong support of Trade Promotion Authority. Mr. Speaker, much has been made here today about how trade promotion authority can be a real shot in the arm for a struggling economy. Other members have pointed out how TPA is a critical tax cut for American consumers, workers, and companies. That, too, is true. However, I want to talk about 3 other reasons why TPA is so critical for America. First, TPA strengthens our national security. Capitalism, trade, and the rule of law support freedom. Freedom and stable economies support the growth of democracies. And democracies conduct peaceful commerce among themselves. TPA for President Bush is vital to bolster the global trading system. That system is critical to US national security. Second, TPA is critical if we are going to do more than spout rehtoric about helping the developing world. Each year we pass a foreign operations bill. While countries appreciate it, it is pennies on the dollar compared to the resources they need and compared to the benefits that might flow from a new round of trade liberalization. Open markets, capitalism, and foreign direct investment are the real tools they need--not foreign aid. And third, passing TPA is critical to US global leadership. We stand at a pivotal moment in world history. Our country fought two world wars, defeated the Soviet Empire in the Cold War, and adopted a foreign policy to spread democratic values, ideas, and beliefs around the world.”