Extending the Generalized System of Preferences
Floor Speech
Mr. KELLY. I rise in strong support of the bill.
I can speak very clearly about the relationship that we have with Korea because, in addition to being a General Motors dealer who sells Chevrolets and Cadillacs, I also sell Hyundais and Kias. I can tell you of the alliance that we have had, of the very strong partner we have had in Korea for so many years. Since 1949, Korea has fought with us in every military skirmish--side by side, shoulder to shoulder with us. In the United States alone, Hyundai has invested over $3 billion in bricks and mortar in building two plants--one in Montgomery, Alabama, the other in West Point, Georgia. When we're worried about the number of cars being sold here, let's understand one thing, that over 60 percent of the Korean cars sold in the United States are made by Americans.
There are 60,000 jobs in the United States right now because of Hyundai and Kia's investment between our borders. And when we look at our market, our global opportunity, we have got to pass these trade agreements. We have got to pass the TAA. Why? Because it's good for America in addition to all these jobs and the possibility of 250,000 additional jobs in the country that's looking for a job almost every day.
These jobs are there. They're available to us. We have got to get on with these trade agreements. In addition, let me also state that Hyundai and Hyundai dealers have raised over $43 million in the fight against pediatric cancer, which is over 10 times what this Congress has invested in that fight against pediatric cancer.
The opportunities are outstanding right now. The opportunity is now, and what better time to pass these agreements than when we're hunting for the jobs that we need the most for our people and also with allies who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder and arm-in-arm with us in every single battle.
I would urge every single Member in this House to please pass the agreements. Let's move on. Let's get America back to work.
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