Political Quotes

“Madam President, I would remind the majority leader that the last time he used the term, ``We shouldn't waste our time on trade,'' meaning not that we shouldn't pass this trade agreement--of course he supports that--but that we should not spend so much time on trade--the last time, 13 years ago, when Congress debated a trade issue, it led to much smaller trade agreements; most immediately, the Central America Free Trade Agreement. That was the one President Bush most wanted to negotiate at that time, if I recall. That debate lasted for 3 weeks. I am not suggesting this debate last 3 weeks, but I am suggesting that to say we are wasting our time on trade, on a long debate, on a thorough debate with a number of amendments, is a bit of a reach. I would add that this trade agreement, this fast-track, speaks to, ultimately, at least 60 percent of the world's GDP; first, the Trans- Pacific Partnership, which is pretty much already negotiated, even though the USTR will not let much of this trade agreement actually see the light of day prior to voting on fast-track; and, second, once TTIP--the United States-European Union agreement--is brought to the Senate and House for approval, that will mean 60 percent of the world's GDP will be included.…”