Political Quotes

“trade is clearly an important component of our national economy. Accordingly, I strongly support fair trade laws that ensure a competitive foundation for American exports by promoting American values. Fair trade laws ensure that workers and the environment do not get exploited for shortsighted profits; free and unfettered trade agreements trade away American jobs. The language in H.R. 3005 provides hollow promises to the environment and American workers. For years, supporters of these agreements have argued that trade is the cure-all for the American economy. To the contrary, the U.S. economy has been struggling for some time now, and we have empty trade accords to thank for it. We simply cannot have free trade at any cost. Clearly, now is not the time to pass fast-track authority. In the third quarter of this year, economic activity fell 1.1%; there is virtual agreement that the United States economy is in recession. Last year, the U.S. trade deficit reached a record $435 billion. Including interest payments, the United State's net foreign debt is 22% of the gross domestic product. Not surprisingly, personal bankruptcies hit an all-time high of 1.4 million this year. The unemployment rate has been rising steadily, and the number of laid-off workers receiving unemployment benefits rose to 3.8 million last month, the highest level since I came to Congress. But there's more: Industrial construction is at its lowest level in 7 years.”