[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 111 (Thursday, August 2, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H5183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY FOR PRESIDENT

  (Mr. KIRK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, next month this House will consider granting 
trade promotion authority to our President. One-third of all American 
families depend directly or indirectly on trade for their family 
incomes. America is the number one exporting nation, but unless we act, 
that leadership may fade.
  The European Union has concluded dozens of trade agreements with 
other nations. We have signed only two. In the center of America's 
heartland, my State of Illinois is home to our country's first and 
second top exporters. We are also home to half of all Internet sales on 
the World Wide Web, which in reality is the American exporting web.
  Trade authority will lay the foundation for continued American 
leadership with the highest paying jobs in the economy. I urge Members, 
when they return, to master the export opportunities ahead and give the 
President his authority.

                          ____________________