Sean Patrick Maloney: “Mr. Speaker, withdrawal from the WTO would isolate the United States from the international economy. I oppose the…”

“Mr. Speaker, withdrawal from the WTO would isolate the United States from the international economy. I oppose the resolution. In today's Internet-based, lightning-fast economy, it is critical for the U.S. to have the ability to resolve trade crisis through a binding, rules-based international system. While there is room for improvement, the WTO and its dispute resolution mechanism have served the United States workers, farmers, and businesses well. Throughout the existence of the WTO, the U.S. has succeeded in winning 25 out of the 27 cases that we have initiated in the dispute resolution system. Mr. Speaker, the Clinton-Gore years have been prosperous for our country. One of the best ways to continue this success is by pursuing international markets. The WTO's rule-based approach to settling disputes will limit costly, inefficient trade retaliations, and international strife. But in today's information-based economy, it is critical that the U.S. be able to preserve our place as the world's technology leader by protecting our intellectual property. While I think the WTO has moved trade policy many steps forward, there are reforms that I would like to see.”