On the recordSeptember 22, 2011
I rise in opposition to this bill before us. It extends the generalized system of preferences program for 2 years, as amended and, as amended, expands the trade adjustment assistance program. I want to be clear. I support the underlying bill passed by the House that extends the GSP Program. GSP helps American companies compete in the global marketplace while helping developing countries grow their economies and achieve sustainable economic growth to lift their people out of poverty. As I have made clear over the past few days, I have serious concerns with expanding the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program as it has been amended by this bill. We can no longer afford to increase domestic spending on programs that have dubious value and unproven results. That is what this bill will do. I cannot condone this spending, so I will vote no. I offered an amendment that would have ended the mystery surrounding the sequencing of TAA and the three pending free-trade agreements that have been the subject of much intrigue and speculation. My amendment would have called off the expansion of TAA until our free-trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea were enacted. Everything would move together. Isn't that what this whole bargain is supposed to be about? Well, that amendment did not pass and the White House still refuses to say when they will send up the FTAs for a vote. That does not seem right or fair to me.…
