Political Quotes

“these trade agreements are big deals. Trade promotion authority used to mean setting tariffs. Now they can affect everything from the safety of our food to the working conditions of people around the world and environmental standards. Very frankly and simply, that means that Americans should know what the agreements say and what our government is saying about them, and they should be given that information while there is a meaningful chance to influence them. I hope to influence them through this deliberative process. It is supposed to be open and transparent. I have two amendments--one that would promote greater transparency in trade agreements and the second to help ensure that foreign countries cannot use trade agreements to undermine the safety and security of America's food supply. First, on the subject of transparency, nothing is more fundamental than for the American people to know what is in these trade agreements. Despite their significance, despite the far-reaching ramifications and implications they have for our American economy and, indeed, our way of life, they are being negotiated in secret. In fact, Members of Congress can view them only if they go to secure locations, and staff of Members of Congress can see them only if they are accompanied by the Members themselves. The real problem is not Members of Congress or their staff but the American public who are kept in the dark.…”