[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H4475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       NOW IS THE TIME TO PASS THE PENDING FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS

  (Mr. DOLD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, for more than a short period of time, we've 
had an opportunity to talk about free trade agreements, and when we 
talk about it, it's about jobs, jobs in the economy. More than 57 
million jobs in America are directly supported by international trade. 
Free trade with other nations not only creates more jobs for Americans; 
it creates more opportunity around the world.
  In my district, over 58,000 jobs are directly supported by exports. 
In fact, last year almost $20 billion worth of merchandise was exported 
from my district alone. If Washington is serious about creating more 
jobs, then we should immediately pass the pending free trade agreements 
with Korea, Colombia, and Panama.
  New jobs are created in our local communities when our Nation 
increases free trade. Free trade also lowers prices for the American 
consumer. When burdensome tariffs are lifted, the average American 
family of four sees an increased purchasing power of approximately 
$10,000.
  Now is not the time to play political games with these free trade 
agreements. Now is the time to pass these pending free trade agreements 
so that we can create jobs here at home and help ease the burden on 
American families.

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