Thomas Daschle: “We opened the debate with a recognition of how critical it is in this country, with this economy, that we recognize…”

“We opened the debate with a recognition of how critical it is in this country, with this economy, that we recognize especially the importance of our globalized markets and the need to be competitive in them. Under the strong leadership of Senator Baucus and with help from Senator Grassley, we put together a historic package of trade legislation that dealt first with the Andean Trade Preference Act, an act that has already proven itself to be invaluable to not only those countries in South America that have benefited directly from increased trade with the United States, but this country as well--a recognition that this trade partnership ought to be extended, a recognition that it is not only an economic partnership but a strong political one, and that if we can continue to provide political communication and coordination in a way that allows us better economic return, we are going to strengthen those countries politically as well as economically. That is what ATPA does.”