Bill Archer: “Mr. Speaker, at this historic moment in this debate today, all Members should keep an open mind to objectively make the…”

“Mr. Speaker, at this historic moment in this debate today, all Members should keep an open mind to objectively make the right decision, without pressure from outside groups, as to what is in the best interests of the United States, its people and its values. This vote will be the most important vote that we cast in our congressional careers. Why? Because it will affect America for generations to come. International trade has meant a greater standard of living for our families here at home. Yes, nearly $3,000 more in purchasing power a year, employment for over 12 million American workers, and wages that are up to 20 percent higher than those for the domestic market, that is what trade has meant to Americans. But passage of this historic legislation will mean more than just American jobs created here at home. It will mean the expansion of American ideals, principles, and values throughout the world, as well as the Orient. We have already started to see that sort of change occur, as China has opened up since Nixon's memorable visit. Today, most Americans do not know that over 90 percent of China's 930,000 villages now hold democratic elections for their local leaders, and that means nearly 1 billion rural Chinese have started to experience the freedom that democratic elections produce.”