[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 65 (Monday, May 14, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4857-S4858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           U.S. TRADE POLICY

  Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, last week President Bush laid out an 
aggressive trade agenda for America. Few policy areas will be more 
critical to the future prosperity of not only the United States, but 
the world.
  Trade is essential to the continued growth of our economy. U.S. 
exports totaled more than $1 trillion last year, an increase of 12 
percent from 1999. Those exports accounted for 11 percent of our GDP in 
2000.
  The impact and importance of trade extends far beyond our borders. 
The nations of the world live in a global community--underpinned by a 
global economy. We are all directly affected by the development and 
growth of markets around the world. Stability, security, economics, 
markets, communications, trade, and investments are all interconnected.
  Taking advantage of the opportunities of this hopeful new world will 
require vision and leadership--bold Presidential leadership with the 
vision to see through the haze of the present and into the 
possibilities of the future. This will require leadership that is wise 
enough to seize the moment and help move the world forward. Nations of 
today are not the nations of yesterday. We must rise above past 
differences and old conflicts. This is not without risk. But the risk 
must be taken.
  Trade connects people. Increased commerce and the bridges it builds 
has broad implications for human rights, democracy and increased 
stability and freedom around the world.
  Trade binds nations together in strategic and political alliances. 
Throughout history trade and commerce have been key instruments that 
have helped break down totalitarian governments and dictatorships, and 
opened the doors to democracy and higher standards of living for all 
people--improved health, better diets, and hope for the future. Trade 
and international investment have helped pave the way for peace in many 
areas of the world. Trade and democracy are interconnected. Trade and 
investment lead to political and economic stability.
  The key to this is a strong trade agenda that pursues our interests 
while balancing them with other priorities.

[[Page S4858]]

  First and most important is the granting of Trade Promotion Authority 
to the President. Every day that goes by without this authority is 
another day of wasted opportunity. We cannot afford for America to 
stand idle while other nations negotiate trade agreements that give an 
advantage to the competitors of American goods and services. Congress 
needs to get this done, and get it done quickly.
  We have many other challenges that lie ahead. We need to move the 
Jordan and Vietnam Trade Agreements through Congress.
  We also should look to our own hemisphere. Canada and Mexico are our 
largest trading partners. American exports to Western Hemisphere 
nations comprised more than one-third of all U.S. exports in 2000. We 
must strengthen our ties to our Western Hemisphere neighbors.
  This is good for all peoples in this hemisphere. We need to move on 
renewing the Andean Trade Preference Act this year. And we should 
pursue a trade agreement with Chile, and a free trade agreement for all 
the Americas.
  We will face another hurdle in again granting normal trade relations 
to China. Establishing a stable trade relationship with China is in our 
best interest.
  Turning our backs on China will not improve human rights in China, 
promote greater freedom, or improve the stability in Asia--rather, it 
would have a dangerous and negative impact on all these important 
efforts.
  This year we must help lead efforts to launch another round of World 
Trade Organization negotiations.
  The challenges are many, and they are great, but so are the 
opportunities. President Bush has laid out a strong, forward-looking 
agenda on trade. He has an excellent team in Ambassador Zoellick, 
Secretary Evans, and those charged with moving this agenda forward.
  I look forward to working with the President and his team on 
America's trade agenda. It is fundamental to our future.
  Trade and investment are building blocks for the world's mutual 
interests. We have the opportunity to make the world more stable, more 
secure, more prosperous, and more democratic. Let's not squander this 
very historic and unique opportunity.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Nelson of Florida). The clerk will call 
the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, the hour of 2 having arrived, are we now 
back on the education bill?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. We will be momentarily.

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