[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PASS FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS

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                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2008

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, While I am pleased that the House has 
once again renewed Andean trade preferences, I think this bill 
highlights more than ever the need to pass pending free trade 
agreements that have languished for far too long without consideration. 
We must continue to open markets to encourage American companies to 
innovate and compete with their global counterparts. This grows our 
economy and creates jobs.
  I am proud to represent a district in Washington State that 
integrates our nation's leading technology innovators with a vibrant 
and highly productive small business community. Opening new global 
markets gives them incentives to improve their products, produce more 
goods, and employ more American workers. I have seen these job-creating 
effects first-hand, with trade accounting for 1 out of every 3 jobs in 
my state.
  In this time of economic uncertainty, Congress must act now to 
advance America's broader trade agenda. We cannot allow important 
agreements with Panama and Korea to remain on hold while Europe and 
China continue to knock down trade barriers and improve their 
competitiveness in the global economy. And surely recent provocative 
comments by the leader of Venezuela helps put into perspective the 
urgent need to use the power of trade in Colombia. I urge my colleagues 
in the Majority to stop the delays and pass these free trade 
agreements. Let's advance the trade measures needed to grow our 
economy, create jobs, and not only improve our relations with global 
partners, but also to foster global peace and freedom.

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