Political Quotes

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding time to me today. I rise, Madam Speaker, in support of the proposed legislation to repeal Jackson-Vanik. To me, what this represents is an opportunity for American manufacturers and American farmers to have access to the Russian market so that we can go about the number one priority of this Congress and the next Congress--getting people back to work. This represents an opportunity to potentially increase U.S. exports by doubling or even tripling those export levels over the next 5 years with PNTR status in place for Russia. I strongly support the proposed legislation, and I take a point of disagreement with my good friend from Oregon, who was referencing his comments in opposition to the proposed legislation. The fact is that Russia is now part of the WTO. They are a member after 18 years of negotiation, some of the negotiations being led by the United States in the most aggressive manner to hold them accountable to the rules of the WTO. By not supporting this legislation, we are handcuffing American manufacturers and farmers by not allowing them to take advantage of this opportunity that is there. So I urge all of my colleagues to support the proposed legislation, and I urge our moving forward with expanding job opportunities for generations of Americans to come.”