Political Quotes

“I do rise in reluctant opposition to this, because I have a great deal of respect for the gentleman who has sponsored it, but I think we really need to understand what we are dealing with here. This is not just a labor vote per se or anything of that nature. We need to know who is opposed to this. First of all, the State Department of the administration is opposed to this amendment and they state that we encourage companies to adopt and implement voluntary codes of conduct for doing business around the world. In adopting these voluntary codes of conduct, U.S. companies can serve as models, encouraging similar behavior by their partners, suppliers and contractors. A mandatory, and that is what we are dealing with here, code of conduct is impractical and unworkable. It would be virtually impossible for Ex-Im Bank to monitor compliance. In China alone, there are more than 20,000 United States-China joint ventures. Mr. Chairman, we are talking about U.S. firms which might export to other countries who have adopted and adhered to a code of conduct for their international operations, as what would be in the amendment.”