[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 131 (Saturday, September 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECIPROCAL TRADE AGREEMENT AUTHORITIES ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 1998

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to comment on 
the House's consideration of Fast-Track trade authority today. While I 
have supported efforts to expand markets for our exports, particularly 
our agricultural exports, including GATT and the extension of MFN 
status for China, I cannot vote for this legislation. Over the past 
five years we have watched hundreds of thousands of jobs from our 
cities lost across the border of Mexico. I represent a very rural part 
of Illinois, and the impact this has on small towns is devastating. 
When a major employer leaves such a community, often times the 
displaced workers have no where to go for other opportunities. Families 
are dramatically affected. I have seen the consequences.
  The underpinning of this debate defines who we are as a people. 
Currently in this country we are encouraging a race to the bottom. We 
have set up a framework where we encourage U.S. companies to find the 
cheapest wages and least restrictive employment and environmental 
regulations elsewhere in the world. This Congress should not be 
undercutting the hardworking men and women that have made this country 
the envy of the world. The freedom the United States represents more 
than any other is the ability to work hard and get ahead--an honest 
day's pay for an honest day's work. We have seen the erosion of this 
principle, because for too many people it takes more than one job to 
realize that promise. This is not justice.
  As I listen to the debate this afternoon it is all too obvious that 
the timing of this discussion is aimed at political gains, not economic 
ones. Members on both sides of this aisle are ready to engage in honest 
debate about the provisions that can be added to this bill to make it 
acceptable to all--to make it truly represent free trade. We were ready 
to do that last fall. But today's vote does not advance this cause. I 
hope it has not been dealt too severe a blow. I urge my colleagues to 
vote against this legislation, and for a real debate on these critical 
issues.

                          ____________________