Political Quotes

“I support free trade. The removal of trade barriers by both the United States and our trading partners will ultimately strengthen the economies of all nations. I have long believed that the best process for achieving the elimination of trade barriers is for us to grant the President a properly-structured authority to submit trade agreements, negotiated pursuant to that structure, for an up-or-down vote by the Congress. With the proper provisions for environmental and labor protections, trade agreements can facilitate both our economic and our environmental goals. Sadly, the leadership of this House has refused to give us such legislation or even an open process to consider the bill before us. Once again the Republican majority has resorted to a 'martial law' rule, preventing members from having even one day to look at the bill on which we're voting. This is the latest in a series of affronts to bipartisanship, collegiality and the legislative process.”