Ellen Tauscher: “I rise in support of the Andean Trade Preference Act. We are at a critical point in our ongoing relationship with our…”

“I rise in support of the Andean Trade Preference Act. We are at a critical point in our ongoing relationship with our good friends in Central and South America. The expansion and extension of ATPA is a necessary component of a comprehensive strategy to improve our collective security in the Western Hemisphere. The ATPA has helped foster trade between the United States and the Andean region that has nearly doubled over the last decade to $18 billion to the mutual benefit of the United States and Andean businesses. If we truly want to shape the environment to ensure our success, we must protect our bet with a trade package that sets the conditions for economies that need to change their earnings from drug money to industries that are part of the 21st century economy. I urge my colleagues to vote 'yes' on H.R. 3009, the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act.”