Tom Harkin: “the amendment I have now offered has to do with the issue of child labor in world trade. I would like to speak for a…”

“the amendment I have now offered has to do with the issue of child labor in world trade. I would like to speak for a while because, among all the things we have talked about regarding trade and what we are promoting, I believe one of the most important elements, in terms of moving ahead in the world economic order that is going to break down barriers of trade, one of the most important facets is how we address the issue of child labor. Increased world trade should not be an end in itself. It must also be a means of achieving more economic fairness, social justice, and broad-based sustainable development throughout the global economy. Accordingly, as we debate this trade bill, this Senate faces a critical test of our nation's moral resolve as well as our economic leadership. The practical challenge before us is to help fashion enforceable rules for a new global economy. It must be a global economy that rewards working families in America and abroad as much as it benefits transnational corporations, investors, and consumers. I have long supported policies to open foreign markets to our nation's exports through new trade agreements and through combating unfair trade practices. I believe that new trade agreements--on the right terms--offer many new opportunities for our nation's economy to grow and thrive. I hope I am also a realist.…”