Eva M. Clayton: “we should remind ourselves as we deliberate and pass policy: Who do we help and who do we hurt? How do we improve the…”

“we should remind ourselves as we deliberate and pass policy: Who do we help and who do we hurt? How do we improve the quality of life? This week we are considering legislation to curb unfunded mandates. Last week we passed the balanced budget amendment. How do we encourage and support economic development in our communities across the country? Instead of fighting over whether the Federal Government or States for admittedly needed programs and services, instead of making knees buckle under the weight of cuts necessary to balance the budget, we should be looking for ways to balance the trade deficit with many of our foreign partners. According to economists, Mr. Speaker, last year the ever-widening trade deficit resulted in a reduction of nearly one full percentage point. In America we imported 27 percent of the goods we consumed. That is up from 20 percent in the last 5 years. Led by the Department of Commerce, U.S. Export-Import Bank, U.S. Trade & Development Agency, and the Small Business Administration, all are encouraging opportunities for our small businesses and our communities. We should be about this, Mr. Speaker, instead of saying that we are taking away from growth and quality of life. We should be expanding jobs and economic development.”