Political Quotes

“I rise in support of ratification of the International Natural Rubber Agreement [INRA III]. For the last 16 years, INRA has provided the consuming nations of the world with a reliable supply of natural rubber at stable prices. The United States, as the world's largest consumer of natural rubber, has much to gain from the stabilization provided by the agreement. Many believe that the tires and other rubber products U.S. consumers use daily do not need natural rubber. But that is simply not the case. Natural rubber is, in fact, a critical material in the manufacture of most rubber products. Aircraft tires used by the U.S. military have a particularly high percentage of natural rubber and it just so happens the world's largest aircraft tire plant is located in Danville, VA. At least a third of the plant's production provides aircraft tires to the U.S. military, and this production depends on the availability of natural rubber. U.S. consumers and workers also have much to gain from renewal of INRA. Every one-cent rise in the price of natural rubber costs the U.S. tire and rubber industry $22 million on an annualized basis. Such cost increases will inevitably lead to higher prices for consumers and possible shortages and potential job losses.”