Political Quotes

“I rise today to ask this House, why do we continue to punish Illinois and U.S. manufacturers and farmers? In the 531 days since the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement was signed, U.S. products exported to Colombia have suffered over $1 billion in taxes and tariffs because they were exported to the United States through Colombia. And during that period of time, Colombian products entering the United States come in duty free. That doesn't seem fair. We have an agreement with Colombia to eliminate those tariffs, and every day we delay it costs almost $190 million a week in higher tariffs on U.S.-made products. The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement is good for States like Illinois. I represent a State that's dependent on exports. Our biggest product we produce in the district I represent, we have 8,000 union workers who produce yellow bulldozers and construction equipment, something that's common and in need in places like Colombia. Let's be competitive. Let's eliminate those tariffs. Let's bring up for a vote the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.”