Barbara Mikulski: “I am proud to support the United States- Australia Free Trade Agreement. I have opposed some trade agreements in the…”

“I am proud to support the United States- Australia Free Trade Agreement. I have opposed some trade agreements in the past because I am not willing to put American jobs on a slow boat to China or a fast track to Mexico. However, I am ready to support free trade when it is fair trade, and that is what we are talking about today. This agreement ensures fair trade with one of our closest allies. It will also bring an expansion of opportunities for American workers and American businesses. America's relationship with Australia is about our shared history and shared values. Australia has been one of America's staunchest allies in times of war, sending troops to fight beside our own in both World War I and II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, Afghanistan and now Iraq. In sending troops to fight alongside our own in Iraq, Australia was one of only three countries to fight along with America from the outset of war. America and Australia share a common terrorist threat. Al-Qaida attacked America on September 11, and 10 Australian citizens died that day. A group linked to al-Qaida also killed almost 100 Australians in the Bali bombings. Our security relationship is strengthened by the ANZUS treaty, through which we work together for our mutual security. Now is the time to strengthen our economic partnership with a free-trade agreement. I stand in support of this free-trade agreement because it is good for America and good for Maryland.”