Jeff Bingaman: “I am of the view that a basic precondition to the U.S. trade agenda operating on the right track is having a consistent…”

“I am of the view that a basic precondition to the U.S. trade agenda operating on the right track is having a consistent and coherent policy foundation. I have always argued that expanded trade can be a powerful tool to promote economic growth and improved standards of living in the United States and around the world. It can help countries develop, ease poverty, raise standards of living, and eliminate instability. It can encourage the high-wage job growth and technological innovation in the United States. In general, I consider myself to be someone that supports trade. In fact, my record shows that I have. But I also believe that trade policy must shape the rules by which trade and international economic policy is conducted to maximize its benefits and minimize its liabilities, both domestically and internationally. Trade liberalization is not inevitably better for the United States. But it can be better for the United States, and frequently is better for the United States, and we should pursue it under the right conditions. Based on the results of U.S. trade policy, I am not sure we are doing that right now. In fact, I have to wonder if we are on the wrong track completely.”