Bill Pascrell: “this is a very critical issue. We are arguing the rule. I want both sides to know these are the rules of the…”

“this is a very critical issue. We are arguing the rule. I want both sides to know these are the rules of the Constitution of the United States. Article 1 section 8 is very clear. In the last 20 years this Congress has given up its powers to the executive branch of government. We have had folks on the other side talk about it. It is very clear what article 1 section 8 says about what our responsibilities are. In the movie ``Thelma and Louise,'' Thelma turns to Louise and says, ``Don't settle.'' We are settling here. We are settling for an erosion not only of the Constitution of the United States, an erosion of labor rights, an erosion of environmental security, an erosion of our trade imbalance which has risen to $435 billion, a $62 billion erosion according to NAFTA itself. We are making a big mistake if we vote ``yes.'' This is not a question of to trade or not to trade; this is a question of having the right rules at the right time. I ask Members to read article 1 section 8. Did constituents send Members here to give up their responsibility to the President of the United States on trade issues? Then change the Constitution. Change the Constitution is my recommendation if that is what Members wish to do.”