On the recordFebruary 1, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the basic tenets are pretty clear. Here is what they write, one line from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: `` . . . where governance is weak and corruption is rampant extractive, industry revenue that is not transparent becomes a curse that deepens poverty, destroys democratic institutions, defrauds elections and allows autocratic leaders to remain in power against the will of the people.'' If you really believe that people around this world should benefit by true and open democracy, you have to provide them the opportunities to do that. I happen to agree with the bishops. If you want to allow our companies to bribe foreign governments, say it. I don't like it, but it is a reality of the world. They have been doing it for generations. That is all this attempt was. And to simply repeal it says: It is open business day, guys. Go in, pass the cash around, stick it to the regular people, and don't tell them about it. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to direct their remarks to the Chair.





