Political Quotes

“before speaking specifically to our amendment, I wish also to indicate that there are a number of very important amendments coming before us in this open debate process. I am pleased we have a number of amendments pending that, hopefully, will be offered and voted on that relate to other very important topics. One of those topics is an amendment currently pending offered by Senator Brown. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of that amendment. It will clarify the process for new countries to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership and to ensure that additional countries, including China, cannot join the agreement without congressional approval. So I hope we will get a vote on that amendment, which is certainly part of this whole discussion on currency manipulation when we look at Asia, when we look at Japan now, and when we look at China. This is an important amendment. I also wish to indicate that I have terrific respect for the chairman of the Finance Committee. I wish to address an amendment that I believe will be offered as a side-by-side to the Portman-Stabenow amendment. I urge colleagues to reject what is essentially nothing more than a rewrite of pretty much the same weak language that exists in the underlying bill. It changes some words around. It basically would not put us on record as 60 Members of the Senate to make sure we have enforceable currency provisions in this trade agreement moving forward.…”