Speeches
Pelosi: 'Free and Fair Trade Can Only Thrive If We Help Those Who Are Facing the Downsides of a Global Economy'
10/31/2007
“In recent years, the increasingly global market has brought
many opportunities, but has also created unprecedented challenges as to how we
address the increased economic insecurity faced by many of
“Unfortunately, recent trade policy has focused solely on
opening new markets and has dismissed the real consequences for those who lose
their jobs, as well as the communities across
“Democrats recognize that our economic future rests on our
ability to open new markets for
“However, the status quo is not working and we must do much
more to help American workers compete and thrive in an increasingly competitive
global market. That is the purpose of
this important legislation before us.
“With our Innovation Agenda, much of which has been passed
overwhelmingly in a bipartisan way by the Congress and signed into law by the
President, we made serious and sustained investments in research and
development, and help promote the public-private partnerships that will develop
high-risk high-reward ideas into marketable technologies, and more jobs for
American workers.
“In other words we’re saying if we are going to compete
successfully, we must innovate. That
innovation begins in the classroom. So
Democrats recognize that in a globalized, knowledge-based economy,
“We have also made higher education more affordable and
accessible, again in a strong bipartisan way, voted by this House. We passed the College Cost Reduction and
Access Act and it has been signed into law by the President. It makes the largest investment in student
financial aid since passage of the GI Bill in 1944.
“We have also forged a new approach to free trade agreements
– where for the first time, Democrats and Republicans in Congress, working with
the Administration, were able to forge a new approach. For the first time, enforceable, basic labor
rights and environmental standards will be included in free trade agreements
negotiated by the Bush administration, ensuring that our trading partners do
not lure American jobs abroad through the use of weak labor rights and lax
environmental standards.
“Today’s bill is the next step in our agenda to expand
economic security. It is a departure
from the status quo – the current Trade Adjustment Assistance initiative that
does not do enough to help those who lose their jobs through no fault of their
own.
“Specifically, the bill will dramatically expand the number
of workers who qualify for TAA benefits; offer increased funding and options
for worker training so that individuals can pursue substantive training
programs that lead to higher-paying jobs; expand access to health care by
strengthening and streamlining the health care tax credit and other health
benefits, so that workers are not forced to live without health care as they
search for a job; and revitalize communities decimated by manufacturing job
loss with tax incentives.
“This would represent a huge step forward. This bill represents a renewed commitment to
helping American workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their
own. Free and fair trade can only thrive if we help those who are facing the
downsides of a global economy.
“In the coming months, Democrats will continue to lay out a
positive agenda to help ensure economic growth and economic security for