Max Baucus: “first of all, I wish to ask my good friend from Ohio if he could expand on what I think is a very important point, and…”

“first of all, I wish to ask my good friend from Ohio if he could expand on what I think is a very important point, and it is namely this: With the world becoming more competitive and with globalization, it is evermore important for the United States of America to strive ahead and to keep working to develop good products, good high-technology products, and to compete in the world. I believe, frankly, when we are treading water, we are sinking. We have to keep moving ahead if we are going to make products and boost incomes and help the American people. That leads me to another point. If the Senator could tell us a little more and explain to, frankly, some people who may not realize this, what is involved in TPP. What is TPP? Of course, we need trade promotion authority in order to get TPP. Isn't it important, isn't it critical, isn't it crucial that the United States include a strong Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement not only for economic reasons but also for geopolitical reasons to show to the world, to show to Asian countries that are wondering where the United States is--is the United States going to show up? Is the United States going to maintain its presence in Asia? What will happen if we don't pass trade promotion authority? How will that affect the Trans- Pacific Partnership negotiations, and what effect will that have on other countries in Asia and their perception of the United States?…”