[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 159 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H8252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss trade promotion authority. 
America's taxes on foreign imports are already near zero, but foreign 
taxes on the products of U.S. workers are often prohibitive, killing 
American jobs and opportunity. Cutting or eliminating foreign taxes on 
American exports is thus the key to expanding America's economic 
leadership.
  Trade expansion through lower foreign taxes will help increase 
economic growth. Already, the growth in foreign markets is helping to 
create jobs for Americans. One in three U.S. farm acres is planted for 
export and 12 million American jobs have been generated by exports.
  In order to achieve reductions in foreign taxes on U.S. exports, the 
executive branch must have the specific authority from Congress to 
negotiate trade agreements with other countries. This authority, known 
as trade promotion authority, lets America speak with one voice in 
international trade negotiations. It is the key to opening foreign 
markets to America's farmers, workers, investors and businesses.

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