Tom Harkin: “I want to speak a little about the fast-track bill that is before us and which is scheduled to be voted on in the House…”

“I want to speak a little about the fast-track bill that is before us and which is scheduled to be voted on in the House tonight. I doing so, I reread the President's speech on September 10 that he gave on fast track. He gave it at the White House, I believe in the East Room. I found some interesting remarks in the President's speech. He talked about change. He said, ``As we have done throughout our history, we have taken our Nation and led the world to the edge of a new era and a new economy.'' He is absolutely right. He talked about the economy, and how we are the largest producer of automobiles, agricultural exports, semiconductors, steel, and other items. Then, closer to the end of the speech, the President said, ``As we continue to expand our economy here at home by expanding our leadership in the global economy, I believe that we have an obligation to support and encourage core labor standards and environmental protections abroad.'' He further said in his speech--this is the President's speech on September 10--``Our goal must be to persuade other countries to build on the prosperity that comes with trade and lift their standards up. As we move forward, we must press countries to provide the labor standards to which all workers are entitled,'' et cetera.”