David Obey: “I just want to observe one thing. The history of this country has demonstrated that every time there is an effort to…”

“I just want to observe one thing. The history of this country has demonstrated that every time there is an effort to provide additional regulation or additional oversight in order to help workers or help farmers, or to help little guys against the big guys, somehow it is always too costly. We cannot provide the minimum wage, we cannot provide wage and hour protection, or this or that because it is going to cost too much. Well, I would bet if we conducted a poll of consumers, that they would, by overwhelming numbers, say that they want this provision to go forward. We have a tremendous debate in this country going on about the virtues of globalization. As far as I am concerned, globalization is inevitable; it is going to happen, and we need to figure out how to adjust to it. But I also note that in that debate you have numerous forces in this country who under the rubric of globalization would lead you to believe that there is still no legitimate amount of room for discussing the virtues and values of home-grown products, whether it is automobiles or farm products. I suggest to Members that even if we take the assertion of the gentleman from Texas at face value, and I do, let us say that this is not a consumer health issue, let us say this is not a food-safety issue, let us say it is simply a marketing issue. This is a marketing tool that our producers have a right to have.”