Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, if the United States is to grow economically, we must learn that future opportunities and jobs are not just around the corner, but must be fought for in a highly competitive international market.

Consider these facts: Since 1988, exports have accounted for 70 percent of U.S. economic growth. Over the last 2 years exports have accounted for all growth in the U.S. gross domestic product. Every $1 billion in exports creates 20,000 jobs.

Future economic growth and job creation depends on our ability to export and trade across international boundaries, not just municipal and State lines.

Unfortunately, the United States is not only inexperienced and ill-equipped to enter and compete in these new markets, our Federal structure is a disorganized and disjointed maze, unable to meet this new challenge. No less than 17 different Federal agencies perform duplicate and ineffective functions in the international trade arena.

As a former international trade and business consultant, I have witnessed first hand the disastrous manner in which the U.S. Government marshals its forces in world trade competition.

Today there are tremendous opportunities available for American business. Unfortunately, the United States is consistently outmaneuvered by foreign competitors who are backed by trade organizations designed to succeed in the world economy.

Just as America prevailed in the cold war, I believe we must focus our resources to meet the challenge of the next century by getting our act together to compete in a global economy.

Today, I am introducing the Trade Reorganization Act of 1993, to consolidate and streamline the principal executive branch trade activities within a single, Cabinet-level Department of International Trade. I ask my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this legislation.

By streamlining trade functions, the United States will finally be able to speak with a single, strong voice on trade matters. A consolidated Department dedicated to trade will expand exports by giving American firms and workers the tools necessary to compete and win in international competition.
As the late Malcolm Baldrige said, American business deserves the most effective organization we can design for the challenges just ahead. We need a cabinet-level department that can act to assure that the U.S. economy gets maximum benefit from international trade during these demanding and dangerous years.

Legislation to create a Department of International Trade has been introduced in the other Body and enjoys the broad, bipartisan support of Senators Roth, Dole, Moynihan, Boren, Cohen, and Lieberman.

I urge you to join me in becoming an original cosponsor of this important legislation in the House.