Benjamin Gilman: “I commend the diligent efforts of the distinguished chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, the gentleman from…”

“I commend the diligent efforts of the distinguished chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, the gentleman from California, Mr. Thomas, my colleagues and their staff members in drafting and sponsoring H.R. 3005, the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001. This measure has been referred to as the most environmentally and labor responsive legislation regarding Trade Promotion Authority (i.e. Fast Track) to be sponsored by the Congress. However, I share the concerns raised by my constituents in that H.R. 3005's labor and environmental standards do not go far enough to ensure a level playing field in trade agreements. H.R. 3005 refers to environmental and labor provisions as negotiating objectives. Nevertheless, our trade history reveals that during the past 25 years including labor rights, and now environmental rights, as 'negotiating objectives' do not guarantee that these provisions will actually be included in trade agreements. The geopolitical and trade landscape has changed.”