[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RESET THE COURSE ON TRADE POLICY

  (Mr. MICHAUD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk 
said this week that the administration wants to move forward with the 
Bush-negotiated Panama and Colombia Free Trade Agreement ``sooner 
rather than later.'' This is absolutely outrageous and a serious 
mistake, and contrary to what the President campaigned on.
  Why would we be moving forward on a trade agreement negotiated by 
President Bush during a time where our economy is struggling? This 
makes no sense whatsoever. It does not represent a new model on trade. 
It represents a recycled model that doesn't work.
  At home, people are furious about these trade deals. During the 
economic downturn, do we really want to push forward a Bush-negotiated 
free trade agreement? I believe the American people deserve more. I 
believe they demand more from their elected officials.
  We have a historic opportunity with a new administration to reset the 
course of trade policy. I look forward to working with the 
administration to change the course of direction.

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