[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 170 (Monday, December 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            BIPARTISAN TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2001

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, I have thought long and hard about this 
important vote on trade promotion authority. Frankly, people in South 
Dakota have different views about the issue of trade and its impact on 
our rural economy. Many of the livestock producers where I come from in 
Western South Dakota have been hurt by unfair trade practices. I have 
listened to their stories and am more convinced than ever that if South 
Dakota agriculture is to fully realize the benefits of trade, it must 
be fair trade. To get fair trade, we must have a seat at the table.
  In recent years, the United States has fallen behind. Our competitors 
in Europe and around the world are negotiating trade agreements that 
will give them advantages over the United States in their trade with 
other countries.
  There are 130 regional trade agreements currently in force today. The 
United States is a party to just two. Every day it gets more and more 
difficult for our products to be exported overseas.
  Fair trade requires tough negotiations, sound agreements, and strong 
enforcement. I believe President Bush will negotiate fair agreements 
with other countries to open up markets overseas for U.S. goods. I also 
believe he will enforce these agreements by imposing real consequences 
on countries that violate trade agreements with the United States.
  I vote for this legislation today out of a belief that President Bush 
will do the right thing for American agriculture. That means according 
agriculture the high priority it deserves at the trading table. And as 
I indicated earlier, that also means tough negotiations, sound 
agreements and strong enforcement. Only then will we see fair trade and 
only then will we realize the promise of greater trading opportunities 
for South Dakota farmers, ranchers and small businesses.
  I will be watching to make sure that agriculture gets a fair shake. I 
will be watching, and if agriculture is not treated fairly, the 
Administration will be hearing from me early and often.
  I am pleased that this legislation strengthens the role of Congress 
by requiring the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with the House 
and Senate Agriculture Committees during the negotiations, and prior to 
any agreement involving agriculture. As a member of the House 
Agriculture Committee, I look forward to that new voice.
  Mr. Speaker, South Dakota has broad interests. I've listened to 
agricultural producers and business interests from across the state 
tell me how they feel about trade and South Dakota's ability to keep 
up. I've heard again and again that if agreements are fair and enforced 
that we can compete and win in the world marketplace. I will fight to 
make that happen.

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