[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      JOBS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

  (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, with employment close to 10 percent 
nationwide, it's time to promote stable private sector jobs.
  The people of my home State of New Jersey have long depended on 
international trade to drive economic growth and put people to work. 
The United States is the world's largest exporter with $1.29 trillion 
in revenue last year, a symbol of America's global leadership. As the 
world becomes more integrated, our economy and employment are 
increasingly driven by trade.
  Unfortunately, the House majority leadership has chosen to 
indefinitely postpone consideration of all major trade agreements with 
Colombia, South Korea, and Panama. American businesses, large and 
small, are deprived of more and more economic opportunities each and 
every day Congress delays their implementation. Countries in Europe and 
Asia have already completed or are poised to complete trade agreements 
with these nations. This will put our American exporters at a distinct 
disadvantage.
  Mr. Speaker, we need these trade agreements. Our international 
competitors are eating our economic lunch.

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