John Cornyn

Could changes in the rules of origin have the unintended effect of driving manufacturers abroad?

So when you talk about increased costs, would those be costs that would be ultimately passed on to consumers in terms of increased costs for their trucks and cars?

So if something happened which reduced the ability of Texas to export, the trade deficit with Mexico would actually be worse, not better, right?

A modernized NAFTA will help all of North America remain competitive against other trade blocs, preserving U.S. jobs and discouraging the outflow of capital.

A modernized agreement will also ensure that products made in the U.S. can compete abroad, while lowering prices and expanding consumer choice here at home.

Let me, again, thank the panel for participating in today's hearing to highlight the interest of the various stakeholders who will be so directly impacted by NAFTA modernization.

I think that can be achieved when we recognize that the investor-state dispute settlement process is very important to preserve.

Texas's and the United States' partnership with Mexico has really been a phenomenal benefit to all Americans.

If we are not careful, we really can upset that apple cart, and it really will be devastating for our families in Texas.

What we would hope to do with this performance review provision is to ensure that every so often we are analyzing the provision and updating the provision to make sure that it is working in the way that it was intended.

So, while some people might say that the benefits of NAFTA perhaps disproportionately benefit certain States and certain regions, I think that bears further examination.

The energy trade with Mexico supports 9.8 million jobs in the United States, equating to 8 percent of the U.S. economy.

When NAFTA went into effect, the energy sector in Mexico was closed to foreign investment, but that has all changed now for the first time in 100 years.

Does the U.S. Trade Representative agree that codifying Mexico's energy reform should be a priority in the updated NAFTA agreement?

I will tell you that trade has gotten a bad name in some quarters, and it has become politically controversial.

I think you know, Congressmen Hurd and Cuellar and I sponsored a bill we call the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act.

I think you said that Texas has an $11-billion trade surplus with Mexico?

I have one request for a committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee…

This is something that's a legitimate question to explore.

It strikes me that the United States is operating at a tremendous disadvantage. We are a free and open society.

Bilateral trade with Mexico alone supports roughly 5 million jobs in the United States, and they are not all in Texas.

I appreciate that. And the Senator from Virginia is my friend. We work together closely on the Intelligence Committee on a number of matters. I just want to ask a pretty basic question, which is whether the Senator from Virginia believes…

Thank you, Chairman Corker and Ranking Member Cardin. Thanks for holding this hearing.

I reserve the right to object. I think it is only fair that each side gets 5 minutes to speak. Everybody is ready to vote. We had 2 hours of debate. So I would ask to amend the unanimous consent request that each side be given 5 minutes to…

I am honored to support her nomination here today.