Richard Burr: “I probably won't be as eloquent as the senior Senator from West Virginia, but rest assured that I am just as passionate…”

“I probably won't be as eloquent as the senior Senator from West Virginia, but rest assured that I am just as passionate about the issue before this body. I rise today, after months of countless discussions with interested parties, farmers, manufacturers, textile workers, and small businesses, to voice my support for the Central American Free Trade Agreement. It is not a decision that I have reached lightly. While some in my State continue to raise concerns with this agreement and trade in general, I believe this agreement is in the long-term best interests of North Carolina and our Nation. When I wake up in the morning, I look forward, I don't look back; I look to the future. Simply put, Mr. President, voting no on this agreement would be the easy thing to do. However, I believe voting yes is, in fact, the right choice for the State of North Carolina and its economic future. It is only through agreements with our friends, neighbors, and allies that we will be able to compete with Asia. Many will argue that this agreement is a jobs loser, and I certainly understand that feeling and respect those opinions. After all, my home State of North Carolina is undergoing a significant economic transition which is changing the nature of our job market. However, I believe CAFTA will provide opportunities for economic growth in my State down the road.…”