Political Quotes

“the Bush administration is currently involved in negotiations to settle a dispute regarding the importation of Canadian softwood lumber. Softwood lumber is essential for building quality, affordable homes in the United States. Its price and availability have a major impact on the U.S. economy, workers and consumers. The U.S. homebuilding industry employs 6.5 million people. The Census Bureau estimates a price increase of $1,500 for the average new home--expected if an export tax or duty is imposed on Canadian softwood lumber coming into the U.S.--which would prevent approximately 450,000 families from qualifying for a home mortgage. These families are likely to be less advantaged groups in the population. Quite simply, Canadian softwood lumber is needed here. It has different qualities than the lumber produced in the U.S. and is used for different purposes. The southern yellow pine produced in the U.S. cannot replace Canadian spruce-pine-fir, which is used by American home builders for interior walls.”