Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the bill extending permanent normal trade relations to Russia is a positive step for American business and American workers. I have been critical of both Democratic and Republican administration approaches to trade negotiations and enforcement in the past. I think the improved enforcement reporting requirements in this legislation are a step in the right direction toward monitoring and toward enforcement of Russia's commitments made as part of its new membership in the World Trade Organization. For too long, both Democratic and Republican administrations have negotiated trade agreements that undermine rather than maximize American job creation. Too often these agreements have failed to demand that our partners follow the same rules we do. Too often our government has not held our trade partners accountable when they do not meet commitments to which they have already agreed. We have seen this in our trade relationship with China for more than a decade. From currency manipulation to intellectual property theft, to failing to offer reciprocal access to its government procurement market, to hoarding rare earth materials, the People's Republic of China has ignored its international commitments and obligations. For more than a decade, American workers and manufacturers, especially in a State such as mine, Ohio, have paid the price.…”