John Cornyn: “as my colleagues know, under article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is given the power to regulate…”

“as my colleagues know, under article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is given the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. That is why this amendment is relevant to this trade bill we are getting ready to pass, because it is important that products manufactured in the United States, and produce grown here, that we sell it to markets abroad because it creates jobs here at home, in addition to fulfilling our legal obligation under the Taiwan Relations Act. I must say I disagree with my colleague from Massachusetts. The upgrade on the 145 aircraft does nothing to substitute for the retiring of the French Mirage aircraft and the F-5s, given the disparity of air power between China and Taiwan. Because we are all concerned about jobs, let me remind my colleagues that 32 different States will receive benefits by way of jobs as a result of these sales. This isn't the primary reason why this is important. This is about American prestige, keeping our promises, and not letting the bullies of the world, including China, intimidate the United States; and it is about keeping solemn commitments to our allies. I ask my colleagues to vote yes, and I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. The yeas and nays were ordered.”