On the recordSeptember 22, 2011
Madam President, my amendment simply requires a study by the International Trade Commission when a trade agreement has been signed but the implementing legislation has not been taken up by Congress within 2 years. The study will examine the impact of lost export opportunities, the impact on U.S. jobs, and the impact on and the protection of U.S. intellectual property resulting from the delay. Today we have anecdotal evidence, but there isn't a comprehensive government report on what delay means for U.S. businesses in our economy. I wish we did not need this amendment, but we have seen with the Korea, with the Colombia, and with the Panama agreements we cannot assume an agreement will be implemented swiftly after it is signed. This amendment is not about casting blame. The study will apply to trade agreements whether negotiated by a Democratic or a Republican President. It is not about the past. It is just the fact that Congress deserves better information about the impact when we delay these trade agreements. This does not affect TAA, it does not affect the underlying bill, and it does not affect passage in the House. It is a commonsense amendment. I hope my colleagues will support it. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Franken). The Senator from Oregon.
