Political Quotes

“last week, I rose in opposition to bringing up the East Asia Security Act of 2005 (H.R. 3100) on the suspension calendar because it contained some provisions that created unintended consequences for our exports to China as well as some of our largest export markets in Canada and Europe. I strongly support the efforts to strengthen our arms embargoes and make them more multilateral, particularly against China. Strengthening the weakest link--Europe--in the arms embargo against China will serve the cause of peace and freedom in the Pacific Rim region. At the same time, we must act diligently in pursuing this noble goal so we do not weaken our overall global competitiveness and give more reasons to foreign customers to avoid American-made products. I am pleased to report that many of my initial concerns have been addressed in a subsequent modification of H.R. 3100 that will now be offered as the Hyde/Lantos/Hunter/Manzullo amendment to the Foreign Relations Reauthorization Act, Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007 (H.R. 2601). In addition, another similar section that was already incorporated into H.R. 2601--dealing with the comprehensive nature of U.S. arms embargoes (Section 733)--will also be amended as part of the manager's amendment to address certain unintended consequences of this section. Some were concerned H.R. 3100 could have terminated U.S.…”