On the recordMay 22, 2015
as everybody should know, both the distinguished Senator from Oregon and I have tried to work these amendments out, and we were unsuccessful. There were objections and, therefore, I apologize that we weren't able to do more. But cloture was invoked, and that is the rule, I guess. Amendment No. 1411, as Modified I wish to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the Hatch-Wyden amendment No. 1411. If adopted, our amendment would strengthen the negotiating objective in the TPA bill relating to currency manipulation. Specifically, it would provide our country with a multitude of tools to address currency manipulation in the context of free-trade agreements, including enhanced transparency, disclosure, reporting, monitoring, and cooperative mechanisms, as well as enforceable rules. As we all know, this amendment is filed as an alternative to the Portman-Stabenow currency amendment, and it is superior in a number of ways. I know that many of my colleagues are sincerely concerned about currency manipulation and want to do something to address this issue. I share those concerns, which is why Senator Wyden and I introduced this alternative currency amendment that provides a more sensible approach-- one that has been endorsed by leaders in the administration, the business community, and elsewhere. Unlike the Portman-Stabenow amendment, the Hatch-Wyden amendment would not derail the TPP negotiations.…
