On the recordMarch 17, 2015
I want to take a moment to discuss the importance of international trade and the enforcement of international trade agreements. We talk a lot about international trade in this Chamber and frame it in terms of opening new markets with new trade agreements. But as the distinguished Presiding Officer understands, while it is important to ensure future agreements are fair for businesses and workers, we should also be devoting more time to the 290 trade agreements we already have and ask ourselves; are we doing all we can to ensure we are enforcing these trade agreements on behalf of American businesses and workers who are affected by trade agreements, on behalf of communities that are affected by trade agreements? I do not think we are, despite strong efforts by the Obama administration. I say that because this particular report--which I have in my hand, which is very heavy--is a report from the U.S. Trade Representative that has 384 pages detailing all of the trade barriers we face around the globe. Those are 384 reasons why we need to do more to fight for our manufacturers, our farmers, our innovators, our workers--everyone employed in all of the industries that are affected by trade barriers. So today, Senator Graham and I are introducing the Trade Enforcement Act, which would make permanent the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center at the USTR. The Center was created in 2012 by Executive order. I appreciate that very much.…
