Political Quotes

“I oppose H.R. 2621 because I think that it would produce trade agreements that contain inadequate labor and environmental protections. I believe that trade agreements negotiated under the terms of this fast track authorization bill would destroy U.S. jobs and drive down American workers' wages. Mr. Speaker, the United States is a world leader in terms of military power, diplomatic influence, economic vitality, technological innovation, and popular culture. As the richest and most powerful nation on earth, the United States enjoys a unique position of leadership--and provides us with the ability and opportunity to influence countries around the globe. This country must be a leader in terms of worker rights and environmental standards as well. Our labor and environmental standards have a positive influence on labor and environmental laws and regulations around the world. We can and should promote labor rights, workplace safety, and environmental stewardship in developing nations. By doing so we help both American workers and foreign ones. Moreover, failure to do so places our workers and their employers at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace.”