[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 68 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PASSAGE OF H.R. 3009

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I thank all Senators who worked so hard on 
this trade bill. I particularly thank the majority leader, Senator 
Daschle. I think he is one of the main architects of the key provision, 
trade adjustment assistance. He and Senator Bingaman have worked long 
and hard to help forge that portion of the bill. So I thank him and 
Senator Bingaman.
  Also, I thank my friend from Nevada, Senator Reid. I don't know how 
we would be here at this point without him. He has worked tirelessly 
and has done a super job with such equanimity and an even temper. I 
don't know how he does it.
  Also, I want to point out that a lot of work has gone into this bill. 
I don't think many people realize just how much work and dedication 
goes into something such as this. There are a lot of people whose names 
are not well known. A lot of us here on the floor get some 
gratification from seeing our names in newspapers and on TV when 
something is accomplished. But the fact is the real work is done by 
people who perform the most noble human endeavor--which is service to 
their country--virtually all day long, and many times with sleepless 
nights. Many are here tonight. I want people to know how hard they have 
worked.
  I especially want to say thanks to Greg Mastel. I hired Greg 
specifically to help get this legislation passed--and he has done a 
tremendous job.
  I also want to thank many other committee staff, who have worked 
tirelessly on this legislation--John Angell, Mike Evans, Timothy Punke, 
Ted Posner, Angela Marshall, Shara Aranoff, Andy Harig, Liz Fowler, 
Kate Kirchgraber, and Mitchell Kent.
  Senator Grassley also has a great team, and I thank them: Kolan 
Davis, Everett Eissenstat, and Richard Chriss.
  And finally, it is an understatement to say that we all appreciate 
the efforts of our skilled and patient legislative counsel--Polly 
Craighill, Stephanie Easley, and Ruth Ernst.
  Although he is not here, I compliment my colleague, Senator Grassley, 
who did a tireless job.
  This is the most progressive and far-reaching trade bill that this 
Senate has passed in 15 years. This is a landmark bill. It is also very 
well balanced. It modernizes fast-track trade promotion procedures, 
brings them up to date. On the other hand, it includes very significant 
assistance to people who were dislocated under trade.
  I think it will be a bill that, when looked back upon several years 
from now, is one of the landmarks and major benchmarks that has moved 
the United States more directly and appropriately to engage the world 
in trade. I am proud of all the efforts of those here on the floor.
  With that, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from West Virginia is recognized.




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