Bob Dole: “I agree that it is outrageous that the Haiti bill in this package was never considered by any committee in the Senate…”

“I agree that it is outrageous that the Haiti bill in this package was never considered by any committee in the Senate, never properly debated in a committee or on the Senate floor. No Member has been given an opportunity to offer amendments to improve this legislation, and the U.S. industry that has most to lose from this bill was never given an opportunity to formally make its case before this body. I have long supported increased assistance for Haiti, and support measures to expand trade between Haiti and the United States, but this poorly designed bill would cause serious harm to the U.S. textile industry, potentially putting many North Carolina textile workers out of jobs. I believe this Haiti trade package needs to be thoroughly evaluated. Senator Graham, Senator Sessions, and I would also like to propose a change to the length of time in which the administration must certify that Haiti has met the conditions to receiving benefits under the act.”