On the recordJune 25, 2015
I thank the gentleman, my friend from Michigan, and I take his word seriously. I think it is good counsel for both sides. Let's wait and see what the fine print has to say before we draw our lines in support or opposition. I take those words to heart. I must say, I echo the words of Chairman Ryan. We are here today not under some cynical ploy to use the Africa bill to pass Trade Adjustment Assistance, rather, we are here to save Trade Adjustment Assistance because some decided it was worth sacrificing to get at Trade Promotion Authority. That was their political judgment, and they are entitled to it. But they are not entitled to then accuse those of us trying to save that program of cynicism. That is the least thing happening today. We are all about trying to keep workers who might be displaced, who will be displaced from globalization and, yes, maybe trade, get some training, get some help. That is what this program has done. It is a democratic program, and Chairman Ryan and Speaker Boehner have kept their word. That is what today's vote is also about: redeeming a pledge made to us that we would have a second bite at this apple. And thank God we do, because American workers are going to benefit from it.
