Thomas Daschle: “I think it has been shown this afternoon that, as a representative of the United States in trade negotiations around the…”

“I think it has been shown this afternoon that, as a representative of the United States in trade negotiations around the world, Ambassador Barshefsky has proven herself to be a tough and effective advocate of American interests. Her solid record of achievement has done much to level the playing field for American producers. She understands the challenges facing the United States in the world trading system. Her negotiating style combines careful preparation, great stamina, determination, and a willingness to exercise the leverage provided by U.S. trade laws when circumstances warrant it. For example, as a key architect of the United States-Japan Framework Agreements, she used the leverage provided by tariffs on Japanese luxury car imports to gain better market access in Japan for American car manufacturers without penalizing consumers back home. Thanks, in part, to her efforts, exports of foreign vehicles to Japan have increased by 30 percent last year, and the number of American franchise dealer outlets reached near 20. American companies are making substantial investments in Japan and forging important new partnerships with Japanese business.”