Chuck Hagel: “Last week President Bush laid out an aggressive trade agenda for America. Few policy areas will be more critical to the…”

“Last week President Bush laid out an aggressive trade agenda for America. Few policy areas will be more critical to the future prosperity of not only the United States, but the world. Trade is essential to the continued growth of our economy. U.S. exports totaled more than $1 trillion last year, an increase of 12 percent from 1999. Those exports accounted for 11 percent of our GDP in 2000. The impact and importance of trade extends far beyond our borders. The nations of the world live in a global community--underpinned by a global economy. We are all directly affected by the development and growth of markets around the world. Stability, security, economics, markets, communications, trade, and investments are all interconnected. Taking advantage of the opportunities of this hopeful new world will require vision and leadership--bold Presidential leadership with the vision to see through the haze of the present and into the possibilities of the future. This will require leadership that is wise enough to seize the moment and help move the world forward. Nations of today are not the nations of yesterday. We must rise above past differences and old conflicts. This is not without risk. But the risk must be taken. Trade connects people. Increased commerce and the bridges it builds has broad implications for human rights, democracy and increased stability and freedom around the world. Trade binds nations together in strategic and political alliances.”