Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, the vote we are about to cast on granting fast track authority is one of the most important this Congress will take before we adjourn. With current international economic turmoil, it is absolutely essential that the United States show strong leadership and commitment to international trade and to emerging global markets. Over the past 10 years, our economy has prospered as a result of the increase in world trade. If we reject fast track, Congress would prevent the U.S. from having the negotiating authority to knock down trade barriers that hinder opportunities to expand our markets abroad. No sector would be hurt more by defeating fast track than American agriculture. Our farmers depend on foreign markets for a significant portion of their income. Not only does international trade benefit our farmers, but it benefits all the industries connected with agriculture. Government estimates show that exports have created more than 3.5 million new jobs since 1990, and that is nearly 30 percent of the jobs created in this decade. These are quality jobs which pay about 15 percent higher wages than the average.”