Rob Portman: “This debate here on the floor tomorrow is really a test of this Congress and this Nation. Is our country going to move…”

“This debate here on the floor tomorrow is really a test of this Congress and this Nation. Is our country going to move forward not just in trade but in liberalizing economies all around the world, or are we going to go back and pull back in a way that hurts not only our own economy but the global economy? That is the test we have tomorrow with Trade Promotion Authority which will be on the floor of the House. This should not be a tough vote. All we are saying is that the President has the ability to go out and negotiate trade agreements. It is not a particular trade agreement. This Congress will always have the right to vote yes or no on a particular trade agreement. Are we sensitive to labor, environmental, and congressional consultation issues? Yes. This legislation is more sensitive to those issues, addresses those issues in a more direct way than any Fast Track legislation or trade promotion legislation before this House.”