Steve Watkins: “13 years ago I delivered the commencement address at my alma mater, Oklahoma State University. I entitled that speech…”

“13 years ago I delivered the commencement address at my alma mater, Oklahoma State University. I entitled that speech ``International Trade: Opportunity or Destruction. Which Way America?'' As I stand before my colleagues today, we are going to answer that question. We build economic opportunities for our children and grandchildren; and provide opportunities to export American values for freedom of religion, speech, and human rights to China. I want to emphasize five facts: One, we are in a global competitive world, and we are not going back. Two, 134 countries of the WTO have already approved permanent trading relationships with China. We are the only country that is lingering behind. Three, China can already enter the United States markets. That is why we have an $80 billion trade imbalance. Four, this agreement will allow us--the USA--to enter China's market of 1.3 billion people and will let us have the opportunity also to market the values that we believe in: freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and, yes, human rights. Fact five: I am a grandfather. I could step back and say, ``Why should I care? This is not going to affect me.'' But, my colleagues, are we going to give our children and our grandchildren the tools of opportunity to compete in this global economy or place them in an unfair position to maintain America's leadership in the world. I stand in support of this legislation.”