On the recordMay 21, 2015
we have been talking over the past several days about trade. I wish to add a little discussion here about some of the specific amendments that may come up over the next day or two. I am hopeful that we will have a vote on some of these amendments later this evening. It is incredibly important for us to expand opportunities for our workers and our farmers by knocking down barriers to trade. That is why more export promotion is a good thing. These are not only more jobs for America, for my State of Ohio, for the Presiding Officer's State of Arizona, but these are better-paying jobs as well. There is no question that not having trade promotion authority over the last 7 years has been detrimental to us in terms of losing market share for our workers and our farmers. Other countries are negotiating agreements. In fact, there have been well over 100 agreements negotiated without the United States being a party and that cuts us out. But as we do that, as we expand exports--which is a good thing--we must be sure that playing field is also more level and fairer, so that our workers and our farmers, and our service providers have the opportunity to compete. That is all we are asking for. There are a couple of amendments likely to come up again this afternoon and over the next couple of days.…
