On the recordMay 22, 2015
I rise in opposition to the Brown amendment, No. 1251. I agree that it would not be advantageous for the United States to become part of a trade agreement that includes China--or any other country, for that matter--without adequate oversight and approval by Congress. However, all of our existing trade agreements require congressional approval before new parties can be added after the agreement is signed. It is also required under our TPA bill. The very possibility of a trade agreement with the United States is a powerful incentive we can use to encourage other countries to raise their standards and institute reforms in order to meet the objectives of existing agreements. If we require a separate congressional vote before our negotiators can even talk to new countries, we will be giving up one of our best tools that we can use to spur reform and advance our country's values abroad. I urge my colleagues to vote against the Brown amendment. I yield the floor. I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The question is on agreeing to the amendment. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk called the roll.
