[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 WITHDRAWING APPROVAL OF THE UNITED STATES FROM AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING 
                      THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my reluctant support of 
Mr. Sanders's effort last week to withdraw the United States from the 
World Trade Organization. Make no mistake: I fully support global 
commerce. Almonds, which I grow on my land in Fresno, have become 
California's most valuable export through development of foreign 
markets. In fact, more than two-thirds of this $1 billion crop are 
shipped outside of the United States every year. So, I truly understand 
the benefit of opening the world to the abundance of U.S. products.
  However, free trade must also be fair trade. Unfortunately, 
regardless of the diligent work and excellent intentions of our trade 
negotiators, the bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements we have 
entered into are not serving America well, especially the interests of 
American agriculture.
  The evidence of our trade failures is undeniable. Over the last four 
years, the U.S. trade deficit has grown exponentially. This year, in 
spite of the Trade Promotion Authority enjoyed by the President and the 
plethora of agreements brought before this body, America's trade 
deficit is the largest it has been in nearly fifty years. More alarming 
is the fact that this year, though the U.S. dollar is valued well-below 
most other currencies, our nation will import more goods than it 
exports.
  For the sake of the American agricultural economy, we must do better. 
We must make a serious evaluation of the way in which we conduct trade, 
beginning with the agreements we negotiate. I am reminded of a quote 
from the distinguished former Ranking Member of the House Agriculture 
Committee, Charlie Stenholm: ``When you find yourself in a hole, stop 
digging.''
  In conclusion, my vote today was a vote of protest. I truly hope and 
fully expect that we will successfully enter and engage in the WTO 
process. However, I believe it is time for the Administration to 
acknowledge that all of us who are concerned about American 
agricultural trade policy are dissatisfied. The ``yea'' vote I cast 
last Thursday is my message to the Administration and my colleagues in 
Congress that we absolutely must develop a new trade strategy. And, 
throughout that deliberation, American agriculture must have a seat at 
the table.

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