By Congressman Dennis Moore December 11, 2001

America’s willingness to work with other nations is the hallmark of our leadership on the world stage. In World War II, we banded together with other free nations to fight tyranny. Throughout the second half of the 20th Century, we teamed with nations around the world to fight communism. And now, as we fight the forces of international terrorism, America again finds itself working with the community of nations.

Throughout the years, our bonds of friendship with other nations have been strengthened by the trade of goods and services. Trade will increasingly become a centerpiece of our relationships with other countries as we seek to shape the global economy.

Since being elected, I have generally supported the expansion of trade. I believe it is a way to accelerate economic growth, expand trade markets, increase the number of American jobs, and promote international understanding. That is why I supported Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) when it came up for a vote in the U.S. House last week.

I certainly understand the concerns regarding worker rights and the environment. And I share those concerns. But I believe the best way to positively affect these issues in other nations is not to dictate what to do from a distance, but to bring the interested parties and these issues to the negotiating table. I also believe that the United States economy will grow more quickly and create new, better, and more jobs if we are able to open new markets to export goods and services.

Besides economic benefits, there are also far-reaching national security benefits to trade. Nations are very much like individuals. If an individual you don't know does something you don't like, your natural tendency is to be suspicious and distrustful. Differences can result in arguments, even fights. To the extent that we have relationships and interdependence with other nations, there is a much greater likelihood that we will sit down and resolve our differences peacefully, rather than throwing bombs at one another.

The European Union, Japan, and nations around the world have entered into trade agreements with each other, excluding the United States and putting our nation at a disadvantage. If American businesses and workers are going to compete in the world arena, we need to level the playing field. TPA will streamline trade negotiations, making it more likely that other nations will agree to enter into negotiations with the United States. Under the bill, the President must consult with Congress and Congress has the authority to finally approve or reject every negotiated trade agreement.

This was a controversial issue, with strong opinions being expressed by both supporters and opponents. Trade Promotion Authority is supported by former Presidents Ford, Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Clinton. Presidents in the 1970s and 1980s had this authority, and with fewer restrictions on its use than in the bill passed last week. Despite this, I know that my vote will disappoint, and even anger, some of my supporters and members of my party.

When I first ran for Congress, I promised to be an independent leader for the people of Kansas. I have applied this philosophy when dealing with issues as varied as tax relief, patient rights, and education reform. I don’t support Republican ideas or Democratic ideas, I support good ideas.

Expanding trade is a good idea and I support it. I hope in time others will see that the opening of world markets to U.S. goods and services benefits American workers and the American economy. Yes, there will be workers who are displaced by trade. And it is crucial that we assist and retrain those workers. But there will be more new and better jobs created by trade.

Globalization is a reality. The only way America will be able to shape it is if we are at the table. Trade Promotion Authority gives us a seat.