Political Quotes

“The Levin amendment would forbid expenditure of funds that would be used to negotiate free trade agreements that do not contain certain listed provisions. The listed provisions impose duties that are not now required by law and they make the appropriations contingent upon the performance of the new duty and on successful trade negotiations with other countries. For example, in the area of labor law, the Levin amendment seeks provisions in a trade agreement that would mandate, mandate, adoption in domestic law and enforcement of the basic recognized rights of workers. This sharply contrasts with the Trade Act, which only goes so far as to seek to promote respect for workers' rights, to promote universal ratification and full compliance with the ILO Convention 182. The differences between the approach of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and the current law are manifold. The Trade Act does not call for adoption and enforcement of the labor rights listed in the Jordan Free Trade Agreement. Indeed, the Trade Act seems to uphold the right of other countries to establish domestic labor standards. Similarly, in investment, Mr. Chairman, the Levin amendment seeks provisions in a trade agreement that would ensure the free trade agreement does not provide for an investor's greater rights than Americans.”