[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 152 (Wednesday, October 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMARKS ON TRADE AGREEMENTS

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT-

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 12, 2011

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker. I rise in opposition to the pending free trade 
agreements with Columbia, Panama, and Korea we are considering today.
  I do not support these agreements for one simple reason: I remain 
completely unconvinced that they can create jobs in the short term. Job 
creation must be our principal objective. That is what nearly everyone 
in New Jersey tells me is their concern. Given the tough economic times 
we face and the high rates of unemployment and underemployment, we need 
to take steps to help create jobs now. In my view these agreements fail 
that job-creation test. Instead of advancing these steps that might 
possibly start producing some jobs years from now, we should be passing 
immediately legislation that creates jobs now, legislation that helps 
homeowners now, and legislation that helps the middle class now.

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