[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1173-E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RELATING TO CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 3009, ANDEAN 
                TRADE PROMOTION AND DRUG ERADICATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 450, the so 
called Thomas Rule on the motion to go to conference on Trade Promotion 
Authority (TPA) legislation. But I also want to make clear that I 
support Trade Promotion Authority for the President and I hope I have 
the opportunity to vote in favor of a conference report on TPA later 
this year.
  Globalization is here to stay. With markets now linked globally by 
computers, satellite communications, and advanced transportation 
networks, international trade and investment will play an increasing 
role in American prosperity. We cannot, as a nation, afford to retreat 
from a proactive strategy of trade expansion that takes advantage of 
our position as the world's most prosperous and dynamic economy.
  Trade liberalization is also an important tool toward developing 
responsible global relations. It is a tool, as the preamble of the GATT 
states for ``raising standards of living, ensuring full employment, 
developing the full use of the resources of the world and expanding the 
production and exchange of goods.'' Indeed, open markets are an 
important engine of economic growth, which can expand opportunities, 
raise living standards, and affect social change. More importantly, 
however, trade liberalization provides our nation with an additional 
diplomatic tool with which to deal with international disputes and/or 
coalition building; trade's national security component cannot be 
understated.
  Unfortunately, however, today's vote is not about trade. It isn't 
even a pro forma exercise to go to conference and reconcile the 
differences between the House and Senate. It is a cynical and 
unprecedented procedural move to expand the scope of the underlying 
trade bill and to strengthen House negotiators' position in conference.
  I understand and accept that the bill approved in the other chamber 
(H.R. 3009) contained provisions on which this House has spoken and 
that this Rule attempts to solidify the House's voice on matters such 
as the Andean Trade Bill, Customs Security, Dispute Resolution, and of 
course TPA. This Rule also, however, includes provisions on which this 
House has not yet had a clear debate and vote. I have deep concerns 
about the House of Representatives making an end-run on its rules and 
the guiding principles of a democratic body in this matter. It is for 
this reason that I oppose this Rule.
  Mr. Speaker, on December 6, 2001, 1 voted for TPA. I have supported 
every piece of trade

[[Page E1174]]

legislation brought before the House since being elected to Congress. 
My record on trade is clear--I support free trade. This Rule today, 
however, is not about trade and I cannot support moves that undermine 
our body's rules and ideals in the name of expediency and process. 
Again, I hope to vote later this year on legislation granting the 
President Trade Promotion Authority and hope House and Senate 
negotiators can expeditiously develop a conference report for which I 
can soon vote.

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