Vote Down Fast Track

Floor Speech

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Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, today this Congress can be fast-tracked or it can take the right track. We can seek strong, new trade agreements that benefit American families, or we can continue to backtrack with the failed policies of the past.

In the Ways and Means Committee, in the Rules Committee, every attempt to make constructive improvements in this fast-track bill have been sidetracked.

First, we ask that the foreign corporations not be given more rights than American corporations and taxpayer funds awarded by some private tribunal.

Second, we ask that the Administration, if it is such a good trade deal, that they be open with it. Tell us at least as much as the Vietnamese Politburo learned.

Third, I ask that they at least meet the environmental standards of the last Bush administration.

In each case, those amendments and all other constructive improvements were rejected.

Today, let's not backtrack. Let's not fast-track. Let's vote down this bill and have an opportunity to create a 21st century trade policy that meets the needs of our families and businesses.

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