[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 171 (Tuesday, December 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2251-E2252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            BIPARTISAN TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2001

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3005, 
the Trade Promotion Authority Act.
  I certainly recognize the value of trade, but contrary to the claims 
of the GOP leadership and Administration, passing fast track is not 
just about trade and the economy. It's about health, human rights, 
consumer and environmental standards. Unfortunately, the Thomas ``fast 
track'' bill is a roadmap to undermining these standards globally.
  As members of Congress, we have an important role in shaping future 
trade agreements. As the influence of trade extends to other areas 
including health, education, and the environment, we must ensure that 
trade agreements reflect the values and standards that we have worked 
so hard to uphold. If we pass H.R. 3005, we give up our authority to 
influence the content of future trade agreements, and we erode the 
government's ability to guard against direct attacks on the progress we 
have made. Even more important, we eliminate a crucial piece of the 
constitutional process by limiting democratic debate and stifling the 
voice of the people. That's undemocratic and it's not smart public 
policy.
  The GOP leadership argues that passing H.R. 3005 is the patriotic 
thing to do. Make no mistake, ``fast track'' does not rebuild, it does 
not restore, it does not heal and it will not bring America together. 
Instead, by pushing this divisive issue forward, we are driving America 
and its government apart when what America needs is unity.
  H.R. 3005 will not advance fair trade policies, but policies that are 
harmful to our nation and the world. We CAN foster trade while ensuring 
that American jobs, civil rights, and our natural resources are 
protected. We just can't accomplish this goal through the enactment of 
H.R. 3005. With its lack of enforcement measures, H.R. 3005 jeopardizes 
international environmental agreements, compromises job security for 
American workers and curbs economic growth. That's why I will continue 
to urge my colleagues to support free trade, but only when it's fair 
trade.

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