Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, South Dakota tells the true story of what the benefits of trade can bring. When we have a trade agreement with another country, we sell 11\1/2\ times more goods to that country than if there were no agreement in place. Trade has been and continues to be an important part of the American economy, but we cannot afford to fall behind. We have to continue to expand opportunities to export American-made products to these countries, but first we have to set the rules of the road. The Constitution allows the President to negotiate trade agreements, but only Congress can approve or disapprove them. What we are voting on today ensures that Congress sets the priorities and the rules that the President has to follow. It allows an open and transparent process where the public can view any potential trade deal for 60 days before it is sent to Congress. If the President doesn't follow our rules, we can take TPA away; or if we don't like future trade deals, we can simply vote them down. But we need to assert the power of Congress in the process and ensure that the public gets to weigh in down the road. That is what we are doing here today. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. America is counting on it.”