June 18, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6641 important, that without their success and inspiration to everyone who knew mourn the passing of a peerless wife, we are in great danger. her. No one else could have borne the sacrificial mother and faithful friend. But as you look at those fine young load that she carried. She was a vital May her memories serve to remind us men and women and when you are and integral part of our ministry, and of the profound meaning of a life given there, when they move on to become my work through the years would have in service to God and family. second lieutenants, you just can’t help been impossible without her encour- f but notice that that’s the reason why agement and support.’’ our men and women in uniform today Despite her declining health in re- b 2115 are led by very, very fine leaders. cent years, she always placed her hus- FAST TRACK TRADE Well, I see that we’re nearing the end band and family before herself. She of the time for this Special Order. I’m gladly accepted a role in the Graham The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under sure there is more to be said about the family that involved offering support, the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- fine men and women who are leading prayer and encouragement. Never one uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from our military, and that’s what we were to clamor for the public eye, Ruth Maine (Mr. MICHAUD) is recognized for about this evening, to talk a little bit nonetheless was a vital part of Billy 60 minutes as the designee of the ma- about the conflict we’re involved in, Graham’s ministry. She was a bulwark jority leader. the importance of that leadership and against the demands of the endless Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I come the people who are leading and cer- public involvement of Billy Graham’s to the floor this evening to talk about tainly to talk about General Peter many responsibilities as a worldwide trade, Fast Track, and what it’s doing Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of evangelist. to this country. Staff. Ruth Bell Graham was born in China As a former millworker that worked Pete, I think it was my colleague, in 1920 to her medical missionary par- over 28 years at Great Northern Paper ROBIN HAYES, who said, we love you, ents at a Presbyterian Hospital far Company, I know firsthand that the and we thank you, and we wish you all north of Shanghai. She spent her child- trade deals are crippling manufac- the best. And I know that sometimes hood on the mission field, and sensed a turing in the State of Maine. We have you thought about these words, I cer- calling to serve God and give her life to lost over 23 percent of our manufac- tainly have over the years, President spread the gospel. turing base alone since NAFTA came Ronald Reagan said way back in 1985; Ruth connected with her eventual into effect. he said, some people spend an entire home in North Carolina when she com- But it’s more than just losing jobs. pleted high school in Montreat, North lifetime wondering if they made a dif- You’re losing the identity and the com- Carolina, while her parents were home ference in the world, but the Marines munity as well. We had certain labor from China on furlough. She would don’t have that problem. And Pete market areas in the State of Maine later enroll in Wheaton College where Pace has never had that problem. He that had over 33 percent unemploy- she met her future husband, the fer- has been a great leader. He is a great ment rate. A lot of small businesses vent evangelist hailing from Charlotte, leader. We’re looking forward to his went under because the anchor of the North Carolina. leadership in the closing months of his community went under, it filed bank- After no small internal struggle over ruptcy. The high school, senior class, tour as the Chairman of the Joint her desire to become a missionary, Chiefs of Staff. We thank him for ev- was not sure whether they would be Ruth decided to invest her life in the able to graduate from high school be- erything that he has done, that he is mission of evangelism that so cap- doing and that he is going to do. cause the mill paid about 80 percent of tivated Billy, and they were married in the tax base. They hadn’t paid their f Montreat on August 13, 1943. taxes, and the accreditation was in TRIBUTE TO RUTH BELL GRAHAM As Billy Graham’s responsibilities as jeopardy. Alcoholism, divorce rates, an evangelist continued to grow, Ruth people were filing bankruptcy because The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a and Billy moved to Montreat near her previous order of the House, the gentle- of trade. parents. Here, Ruth would raise a fam- You can go anywhere pretty much in woman from North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) ily of five children strong and stand be- the Second Congressional District in is recognized for 5 minutes. hind the man who was preaching to the State of Maine, and you’ll see a lot Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today millions of people across the world. in remembrance of Ruth Bell Graham, Ruth was a woman who lived the of empty factories that are no longer wife and confidante of the Reverend written word and treasured the Bible. there. You’ll see factories but you will Billy Graham. Ruth Graham died last She enjoyed assisting her husband as not see the number of vehicles in the week at the age of 87, having lived a he wrote sermons and was an accom- mill yard because of machines being rich and selfless life of service. plished author herself. Over the course shut down. She epitomized the faithful wife and of her life, she would author or co- It’s because of our failed trade policy. mother and was a close spiritual ad- author more than a dozen books. We have to change the trade policy. We viser who probably did more than any She also did not hesitate to start have to make sure that when Fast other human being to make possible ministries of her own. Always con- Track is up at the end of this month, the global ministry of Billy Graham. I cerned with reaching out to those in that we not renew Fast Track. I think doubt whether we exaggerate when we need, whether her local community or it’s incumbent on each Member of Con- say that Billy Graham could not have the global community, Ruth Graham gress to look at these trade deals and been the man he is known as today created the Ruth Bell Graham Inter- have the ability to amend the trade without the unwavering support of his national Children’s Health Fund to deals. I don’t think we should be a rub- wife. help the world’s neediest children and ber stamp to the United States trade While she may not have claimed helped create the Ruth and Billy representatives, and that’s what we much of the spotlight in his life, she Graham Children’s Health Center in are, rubber stamps: Either vote ‘‘yes’’ raised a family that to this day is hav- Asheville. or ‘‘no,’’ and that’s wrong. ing a tremendous impact on the world. Franklin, their son, founded Samari- I have two colleagues here this Reverend Graham paid her the best tan’s Purse Ministry which is based in evening who have really taken on this tribute. He said that Ruth Graham was Boone, North Carolina. trade issue. They know firsthand from ‘‘the most incredible woman I have Ruth enabled and freed her husband their own district what trade means to ever known.’’ And when asked to name to concentrate on his evangelistic call- their constituencies. They know what the finest Christian he had ever met, ing. When he needed someone to turn it’s done to the United States of Amer- Billy Graham would always say, ‘‘My to, Billy Graham knew that he could ica, as a whole. We have lost over 3 wife, Ruth.’’ turn to her for counsel, encouragement million jobs. We have to do better. We In tribute to her, he said that, ‘‘She and an intellect steeped in learning the must do better. was a spiritual giant, whose unparal- scripture. I think the last election, when a lot leled knowledge of the Bible and com- Our thoughts and prayers are with of candidates were talking about trade, mitment to prayer were a challenge the Graham family today as they they are ready, the American people

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:57 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18JN7.115 H18JNPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMHOUSE H6642 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 18, 2007 are ready for a new direction. It’s my Texas City explosion, the Sago mine able on trade issues, a labor attorney, hope that this Congress will give a new disaster and the 9/11 first responders and has done a phenomenal job work- direction, will change that flawed trade and cleanup workers who have devel- ing with the freshman class, bringing policy, the flawed trade model. oped serious breathing ailments, these the freshman class the materials that I would like to recognize Congress- are just the most notorious examples they need to talk about trade for those woman LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ from the of this administration’s lack of dedica- who needed the materials. west coast of California, who has start- tion to provide even the most basic I really appreciate your willingness ed the House Trade Working Group protection to workers: the right to to step out there your freshman year to that also Congresswoman BETTY SUT- work in a safe environment. Even the really talk about trade. You under- TON has been very active on, and it’s an U.S. Chamber of Commerce says these stand the problems that trade has issue that is very important to all of us new worker and environmental protec- caused your State in Ohio, and we look here in our constituency. tions can’t be enforced. forward to hearing your remarks this I recognize the Congresswoman from Now, if that isn’t telling, I don’t evening, Congresswoman SUTTON. California. Ms. SUTTON. Thank you so much, ´ know what it is. They flatly came out Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- and said they are not enforceable. This Mr. MICHAUD, and Ms. SA´ NCHEZ. Both of fornia. Thank you, Congressman President has lost our trust, and with you, your leadership is a shining exam- MICHAUD, and I also thank BETTY SUT- it any argument that he has to renew ple for all of us. As you point out, this TON for being here this evening to talk his trade promotion authority. The ad- is a moment of supreme importance about the President’s Trade Promotion ministration’s track record does not when it comes to the trade policy of Authority and its effect on working demonstrate a commitment to the this country. families. Mr. MICHAUD and I cochair working families of America. Last November, the American people the House working group, and we have Free trade was supposed to create cast their votes for new leaders with been working very hard this year to economic opportunity for everyone, for the hope that we would replace our emphasize the impact that our current big businesses, as well as small busi- broken trade system with one that will failed policy has on average house- nesses, working families at home and truly allow for fair competition, be- holds. abroad, but that, quite frankly, hasn’t cause we know that if given a fair play- We are here because we believe that been the case. The truth of the matter ing field, we will excel in the global our trade policies should ensure a fair is that the NAFTA free trade model fa- marketplace. shake for American working families, The first step, as both of you so not just for those who sit in corporate vors the wealthiest at the expense of rightfully point out, has to be that board rooms. We have already spoken small businesses, workers, families, Congress must stop ceding its constitu- many times in this House about the and ultimately communities, like the tional authority and responsibility flaws in the new trade deal recently an- communities Mr. MICHAUD was talking over trade to the President. The lack of nounced by the administration. This about that are dependent upon mill- oversight and accountability, giving new deal, which applies to the Bush ne- work for their life blood. the President what’s been called Fast gotiated Free Trade Agreements with More than a decade after NAFTA and Track authority, the damage that Fast Peru and Panama, is an improvement NAFTA-styled replicas, it’s clear that Track authority has wrought on the over past FTAs, but it still doesn’t give the promise of economic prosperity has United States trade policy has led to American families much to be excited yet to arrive. Our trade deficit has about, quite honestly. ballooned into the tens of millions of devastating consequences, some of Despite additional labor and environ- dollars. Real wages for American fami- which you have already heard about mental provisions, these agreements lies are down, and our manufacturing throughout this country. It certainly are based on the NAFTA trade model, base is falling apart. has had a devastating impact on the the same failed NAFTA model that has We need an administration com- area that I represent. We have lost over hurt the American family for the past mitted to protecting the rights of 200,000 manufacturing jobs in Ohio decade, the same NAFTA trade model workers, and until we get one we can- since 2000. that didn’t bring about the jobs or the not grant this administration an exten- That means that people’s futures prosperity that we were promised, the sion of Fast Track authority. The have been seriously put at risk. There same NAFTA model that didn’t stop American people deserve better. They are kids out there today who won’t be the immigration flow from Mexico, the deserve a commitment to trade that able to go to college because of the jobs same NAFTA model that hasn’t been expands their opportunities rather that their parents lost due to Fast able to assure that our trading part- than diminishes them. Track, and the bad trade deals that re- ners uphold the strong labor and envi- I urge all my colleagues on both sides sulted under Fast Track. There are ronmental standards that we do here in of the aisle to help our working fami- people out there who won’t have health the United States, thus putting our lies get back on track to economic care for their families because of the workers at a competitive disadvantage. prosperity. bad policy that has resulted under Fast If the long-sought-after labor and en- I urge them to oppose the Fast Track Track. vironmental protections the adminis- renewal, and I want to thank, again, For them and for every American tration promises to include in the Peru my two colleagues for their leadership who has been hurt by the Bush admin- and Panama FTAs are no stronger than on this issue, because they have been istration’s harmful trade policies, we those that we were promised in NAFTA trying to carry this message to those must, we must let Fast Track expire or its cousin CAFTA, they are little who have been unwilling to hear it. permanently at the end of this month. more than hollow promises. Yet the Mr. MICHAUD. Thank you very Now, we all know that the United Free-Trade-At-All-Costs lobby asks the much. I appreciate your comments, and States’ Constitution gives responsi- American people to have faith that the I hope that the American people are bility for trade to the Congress, and administration has really turned over a listening, because this is extremely im- there was a reason for that. new leaf. They are asking us to trust portant. We are heading into what I Our forefathers knew that they need- that enforceable labor and environ- call a perfect storm. We have the larg- ed to keep that issue and control over mental standards will be included in est budgetary deficit in our history, that issue at a level that is closely con- the text of the Peru and Panama agree- with over 45 percent owned by for- nected to the people who are being rep- ments. But even if these agreements eigners. We have the largest trade def- resented. That’s why Congress had that are the best written, fairest trade icit in our history, almost 7 percent of authority. agreements possible, so long as they the GDP. Unfortunately, with Fast Track, the rely on this administration to enforce We cannot sustain those types of problem is the administration nego- the labor and environmental standards deficits and maintain our Superpower tiates the deals, signs them, deter- they contain, they are not worth the status here in this country. mines all the terms, and then weighs it paper that they are written on. With that, I recognize the gentle- before Congress, and you have to vote This administration has failed to pro- woman from Ohio, who is a freshman ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no.’’ You have no input on tect workers here in the U.S. The BP Member, who is very, very knowledge- what the constraints are. You have no

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18JN7.116 H18JNPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMHOUSE June 18, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6643 say or ability to fix what is wrong with versation and asked several questions dangerous in Colombia to speak up if the deals as they come through. That about the brutality and the murders you’d like to see your wages rise so is just not a path we should continue that are happening in Colombia with that you can support yourself.’’ down. trade unionists, and I’m looking for- And, in fact, there is a very big infor- As has been mentioned, Fast Track ward to his response to some of the mal labor sector in Colombia which has enabled the passage of trade deals questions that I have. isn’t even subject to basic standards like NAFTA and CAFTA, and of course But right now, I’d like to yield to the like a minimum wage. There’s no min- the WTO, the World Trade Organiza- Congresswoman from California, who imum wage for these folks. There are tion, all of that has accelerated as our actually had a couple of trips over to no contributions made on behalf of leader here has pointed out, it’s all ac- Colombia. If you’d kindly let us know them for the hours that they work into celerated a trade in jobs crisis. It’s what happened and what we can do. any kind of Social Security or pension marked by an $800 billion trade deficit, Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- system. And there are no workplace and more and more people are feeling fornia. Sure. About 2 weeks ago I re- safety standards. A lot of these work- this across the country. turned from Colombia, and it was my ers work in some of the biggest indus- In fact, I actually have a letter here second visit in just 7 months. Colombia tries that they’re pushing the free that was sent to our leaders in both the is one of the countries that President trade agreement because they say that House and the Senate from organiza- Bush negotiated a free trade agreement they need to expand these industries, tions, organizations like American with without really seeking the advice one of which being the textile industry, Medical Students Association, The of those Members of Congress who have which is notorious for their workers Change to Win Coalition, Communica- been vocal opponents to the NAFTA that are part of the informal sector tion Workers of America, Defenders of trade model which he based this agree- that don’t have contracts, that don’t Wildlife, Friends of the Earth, hun- ment on. have any basic rights. And basically, in Colombia, when I dreds, hundreds of organizations, na- And I have to say at the outset, Co- bring up the point that there’s this tional, State organizations; a wide va- lombia is a beautiful country. It’s peo- promise made to lift all these people riety of people, church organizations, ple are a warm people. We were well re- out of poverty, but when they have to all who oppose us extending Fast Track ceived there. And so I want to be very compete against U.S. goods, some of authority to the administration, be- clear that I am for expanding trade which will be subsidized, like many of cause they know that the resulting with countries around the world, but in our agricultural products, who is going trade deals are devastating to our com- a way that is fair and balanced to both to suffer the most? Who’s going to bear munities, our businesses, our workers, our workers here in the United States and also the workers in the countries the cost? Because they tell me, oh, yes, our farmers and our country. there are some transitional costs asso- that we seek to engage in trade with. So it is with honor that I stand be- ciated with moving towards this new side my two esteemed colleagues here Just for the record, Colombia has a horrible record on human rights and free trade agreement, but they’re tran- tonight to talk a little bit about this sitional costs; they won’t be forever, with them and with all of you at home labor rights violations. In Colombia, more trade labor unionists were killed and not everybody’s going to be af- who care, I know, deeply about us fected. there last year than in all the coun- changing the direction on our trade But let me tell you who will be af- tries of the world combined. So it has policy. fected by those transitional costs: The good news is there are things an abysmal record with respect to vio- rural, poor, indigenous people and that we could be doing, and that we lence towards people who try to orga- largely women who are heads of house- should be doing to stop leaving our nize workers to help lift them out of holds. They are the ones that will suf- companies and our workers at a dis- poverty. And nobody really wants to fer the most, not to mention American advantage. talk about that dirty little secret of workers who will have to compete in Colombia’s, because they want to talk b 2130 industry with Colombia, where they about how much better things are in have no minimum wage, no minimum And so I’m looking forward to explor- the first 6 months of this year. work day, so they can work workers 16 ing that with you both tonight. The statistics do show that there is hours a day if they want, and no safe And at this point, Mr. MICHAUD, I an improvement. I will grant them working conditions. yield back. that, and I applaud that. But it still And there’s just, quite frankly, no Mr. MICHAUD. Thank you very means that about 99 percent of the way that American workers, who de- much. You’re absolutely right when murders that happened last year have mand a certain level of respect and dig- you talk about Fast Track, and we’ll gone unsolved, and nobody has been nity at the workplace, are going to be get into that a little bit more, because brought to justice for that. able to compete in industries where ´ I know Congresswoman SANCHEZ has to And the reason why trade labor those are the conditions that Colom- go to another meeting, and I know unionists are targeted is because they bian workers are working in. she’s been to Colombia a couple of speak out on behalf of people who are Knowing all of this, did President times, so I’ll be interested in hearing living in poverty, who are earning Bush negotiate with Colombia a free what she has to say about her trips to wages that don’t allow them to support trade agreement that would try to ad- Colombia. themselves or a family. They’re work- dress those very basic labor standards? But before she does, before I yield ing in dangerous working conditions. No. He based the Colombian free trade time, I’d actually like to give a quote. And I have to say, on the trip that I on the NAFTA model. They didn’t even And it’s not very often I quote Pat Bu- just most recently returned from, we put in basic rights that are respected chanan. But I saw this quote and I really weren’t given a lot of time to go around the world as international thought it was worth quoting. It says, and actually talk to the workers them- standards for human and labor rights. ‘‘The trade deficit is a malignant selves about their experience. We were He just said, hey, the marketplace is tumor in the intestines of the U.S. basically told by the government that going to take care of it. We’re going to economy.’’ That’s absolutely right. We things are getting better and things move forward. This is the trade agree- have to start dealing with our trade were improving. ment, and Congress, because of Fast deficit. And one way, one of the issues Interestingly enough, the first trip Track authority, you can’t change it; we have got to deal with is, as you that I took to Colombia last November, you can’t make it better; you can’t mentioned Congresswoman SUTTON, is I met with labor organizations, civil amend it. It’s either yes or no; you not to renew Fast Track, which is ex- rights groups and advocates, and I met vote in favor of this. And if that’s the tremely important. Let Congress do with the workers themselves who told choice that I’m given, my vote is no be- our job that we’re elected to do, rep- me, ‘‘don’t be fooled by the rosy pic- cause it doesn’t even try to address the resenting our constituents. ture that our government has painted. problem with the labor standards and I did have a chance to actually meet It’s very dangerous here in Colombia to the violence in Colombia. the President of Colombia a couple of speak up if you are working in dan- I say, hey, I’m willing to give Colom- weeks ago. I had an interesting con- gerous working conditions. It’s very bia the benefit of the doubt. If you can

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:57 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18JN7.117 H18JNPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMHOUSE H6644 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 18, 2007 show to me over a certain length of me that they actually beheaded a trade no labor laws, no environmental laws, time, minimum of 2 years, that, yeah, unionist. And that’s wrong. So no mat- no this, well, what’s the alternative? you’ve gone after these people that ter what we do on trade deals, like you, We go back to those days? And I’ve have targeted labor unionists, and Congresswoman, I want to see results been to China. You may have, too. yeah, you’ve moved people out of the before I agree with any trade deal with Dumping waste in the rivers, like we informal sector into the formal sector Colombia at all. We have to get back to had a problem up in Cleveland a few where people have basic standards, I’m changing that model. decades ago where the Cuyahoga River willing to give Colombia an oppor- I’m very pleased actually to see an- caught on fire. Now we don’t want to tunity. But I’m not willing to enter other colleague from the great State of go back to those days, where thousands into a trade agreement with them Ohio who has taken a great leadership and thousands of kids got asthma be- based on empty promises of how much role since he’s been here on trade but cause we didn’t have clean air regula- better things are going to be. also has introduced major legislation tions. We don’t want to go back to All we heard when we were there, 90 that will help deal with one of the com- those days. percent of what we heard was how ponents when you look at the flawed So we are now in a unique period in much better Colombia was at human trade model. And he’s also a member of history, because in the United States, rights and how much better they were the 30-plus caucus now, I guess, some- we’re the consumer. We’re the ones at trying to find those responsible for thing caucus, congressman TIM RYAN. buying right now. Now, that may not killing trade labor unionists. But while Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I thank the gen- be the case 10 years from now, but we we were there, one of the biggest scan- tleman. And I appreciate, I caught bits are now, and so let’s leverage our dals that has hit Colombia in recent and pieces of the debate here, and I power as consumers to make some of months is the scandal of paramilitary think you all have illustrated points these changes. groups that are linked to elected mem- that need to be made, and we need to And I hope that what we’re doing bers of their congress, elected gov- keep making them here if we’re going here tonight, and Mr. MICHAUD and Ms. ernors, some of whom were hand to have any headway. SA´ NCHEZ and Ms. SUTTON, what we’re And I remember sitting in the meet- picked, and cabinet members, some of doing here tonight is going to help ing with the gentleman from Maine whom were handpicked by President push those things along. (Mr. MICHAUD) where the politicians Uribe himself. And these paramilitary The China currency bill that we have were talking about this trade unionist groups have been responsible for kill- introduced here basically tries to get who was trying to organize a plant, and ing people, for massacres of villages of China to comply with international the next day or two days later, he’s be- people. And currently, 14 elected offi- law. And international law says you’re headed. Now, we think labor politics cials sit in jail because they’ve been not allowed to subsidize your goods. are tough in the United States, which tied to these paramilitary groups. And Well, China is subsidizing their cur- they are, but I don’t think they come there are as many as two dozen more rency, which is kind of a little more anywhere close to that level. that are under investigation. And it is a pleasure for me to be here complicated than a government saying, But we’re supposed to trust President with my partner in Summit County, okay, you make this widget, we’re Uribe that they’re going to bring these going to fund you; we’re going to sub- Ohio, Akron, Ms. SUTTON. people to justice and that labor rights I just want to make a broad point sidize you so you can sell it cheaper in and human rights are going to be bet- and then talk a little bit about a bill another country. ter in Colombia. I say, show me, and that I have introduced with DUNCAN What China’s doing with their cur- then we’ll sit down and negotiate. But HUNTER on currency. And the first rency is basically subsidizing it so that I thought it might be interesting to point I want to make, and I think ev- every product that they send the just inform you guys a little bit about erything that you were talking about United States is between 25 and 40 per- what the flavor of that trip was. is saying, we need to represent our val- cent cheaper. And like I said, I think the Colom- ues here in the United States of Amer- I have a company in my district bian people are wonderful people. I ica, not just here when we hear about called Wheatland Tube. And it’s also in think we need to open up new markets. family values, and we need to have val- Mr. ALTMIRE’s district in Western But we need to do it in a way that’s ues and we all agree with that. But put Pennsylvania. They make tubing. The fair and balanced for our workers here, it in our actions. And I think that’s final product that arrives on the shores so we don’t continue to hemorrhage what we want to do, and the trade of the United States from China is the manufacturing jobs, and for the work- agreements that we sign consistently, I same price as Wheatland Tube’s raw ers in these countries, which corpora- think, go against it. And when you materials before they even start the tions will exploit. look at what the results are, and So- process. That’s the kind of advantage And with that, I will yield back to journers had a great magazine; I may China’s getting with their currency. Mr. MICHAUD. have sent it to some of you. And I know you all are supportive of Mr. MICHAUD. Thank you very Two percent of the world owns more this bill, and I think it’s something much, Congresswoman SA´ NCHEZ. wealth than the other 98 percent. Now, that we can, not talking just about You’re absolutely right, and that’s one that’s unbelievable. Two percent of the trade, but this is something that I of the problems with Fast Track and world own more wealth than the other think free traders and fair traders and why this Congress should not renew 98 percent combined. That signals to us Democrats and Republicans and people Fast Track. Even if we did have a say that the models that you were talking from all over the country are agreeing in these trade deals, as you mentioned, about, Mr. Speaker, are not sufficient on. And I know Mr. LEVIN and Mr. RAN- particularly with Colombia, I’m not for shared growth for all people. GEL want to move on a bill that does sure that even if we had the ILO stand- And we’re not saying that if you go something with China, and I hope that ards in the agreement that that would out and you start a company and you this is a component of that, and I’m help as far as the murders and the as- take a risk and you take out a loan, confident it will be. sassinations that are going on in Co- that you shouldn’t be able to make b 2145 lombia. I’ve met with several elected money. God bless you. Make all you officials on different occasions from want. But recognize that you’re a part But those are the kind of things that Colombia, and they’re scared for their of a bigger system here that we’re all a we need to stand up and talk about. lives. There’s one senator that actually part of that, investments in education, And if we don’t, no one will, because sleeps no more than two nights in a the minimum wage which we finally there is a certain amount of people row in the same bed because he’s been were able to get passed, college tuition; that will benefit from the current sys- threatened with his life. all of these things matter, health care tem, and they are the ones who want to And we’ve been told, or I’ve been told in the grand scheme of things. And keep it just the way it is. But it is im- in those meetings that they want to set what we want to do is start exporting portant for us to come here, 700,000 an example, the paramilitary, and they some of these values that we hold dear. constituents, 700,000 constituents, force some of the other labor folks to And when you say, well, you can 700,000 constituents, it adds up if we go out there with actually, they told make something in China and there are unify and organize and do what I think

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:57 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18JN7.119 H18JNPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMHOUSE June 18, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6645 made all the great social movements in that I worked at, we had six paper ma- can market and begin selling low price the country great, was organization, chines. Four are no longer there. They goods made by ultra-cheap labor in traditionally the Democratic Party, were unbolted and shipped overseas. So China to displace locally based shoe, the unions, the churches. that is absolutely right. People might toy, and candy firms. These estimated And I will make one final point that not think they are going to unpack the 28,000 small- and medium-sized Mexi- I know I have made to you guys al- machinery and move them overseas. It can businesses have been eliminated. ready. It is so important for us to bring has happened. I have seen it happen, Wages along the Mexican border have in the church communities. I am and it will continue to happen unless actually been driven down by about 25 Catholic, and I think the Catholic we change the flawed trade model that percent since NAFTA. The Mexican Church has an obligation. They speak we have been operating. And part of border has actually been driven down out on so many issues that I think that component that is absolutely since NAFTA, reported a Carnegie En- have less relevance than this issue on right is the currency manipulation dowment study. An oversupply of average people’s day-to-day lives. And I with China that we have to address. workers, combined with a crushing of hope that they step up and talk about And as Mr. RYAN had mentioned, we union-organized drives as government this issue with the same passion that have Mr. ELLISON here, who is also an- policy, has resulted in sweatshop pay, we hear them speak out on a lot, and other freshman Member of the fresh- running sweatshops along the border, the evangelicals we just need to pull. man class who is very interested in the where wages typically run 60 cents to Sojourners Magazine with Jim Wal- trade issue. So I yield to Mr. ELLISON. $1 an hour. lace did a terrific job a couple of issues Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I want to Mr. Speaker, I mentioned what is going on with Mexico because I think ago. But if this does not become a thank Congressman MICHAUD, Con- it is so important from the standpoint moral, value-centered movement, we gresswoman SUTTON, Congressman of the American worker, the American are going to continue to struggle. We RYAN, and also Congresswoman worker who is trying to put food on the have the environmentalists and we SA´ NCHEZ, who left us, because you all table, hold jobs here in our country, it have the trade unionists, and we have have been carrying the banner of trade is critically important. We are talking some of us in the Democratic Party. all night, fair trade. about, as I said, flat wages, rising But if we don’t pull in the church com- And I think that before I jump into my remarks that I pulled together for health care costs, increasing consumer munity, I think we are going to con- debt. And it is so important to under- tonight, I just want to say this: We are tinue to fail. stand that this immigration debate we talking about trade, Mr. Speaker, with- I appreciate the opportunity to be are having is heavily informed by in the context of two decades of flat here with you. what? Trade. Our trade policy is in- wages for working people. When you Mr. MICHAUD. Thank you very creasing the pain not only on American much, Mr. RYAN. And you are abso- look at real wages, Mr. Speaker, we are workers but on workers abroad. As we lutely right. This is more than jobs and talking about flat real wages for work- fight back and forth, to and fro, about the economy. It is a moral issue. And ing people. We are talking about a sys- what we should we do, more border se- as I mentioned earlier about some of tem of health care where we leave 47 curity, higher walls, fences. We have the problems that I have even seen in million people out of it and so many all these raging debates around here my district, my hometown, when the other people carrying an increasing around these issues. What we have lit- mills shut down because of unfair trade burden on their jobs just to be able to erally done through this NAFTA trade deals, it is a moral issue. And I hope afford the health care that their job policy and other trade policies like it that the churches do get involved in does provide. It is within this context is wiped out an economy in another this issue. that I want to talk about trade tonight country and not just pulled people here Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Will the gen- within flat wages, within increasing through higher wages but pushed them tleman yield? health care costs, within the context of here by elimination of their economies Mr. MICHAUD. I yield to the gen- increasing and mounting consumer in Mexico. tleman. debt. So, Mr. Speaker, I bring these points Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I know that our The average American, when you to the floor tonight so that we can friend from Minnesota is here, but I take their mortgage out of the equa- have more informed debate so that just want to tell one story because I tion, has about $13,000 worth of con- when people say, hey, look, why are heard it a few weeks ago from my cous- sumer debt to carry around. And that these folks making such a big deal in who worked for Delphi Packard. is talking about your credit cards and about fair trade policy, it is important The plant used to be 15,000 and now everything else. So we have got con- to know that the middle class is being they are down to maybe 1,000 because sumer debt, increasing health care pinched and squeezed. And so often of the global economy, trade deals, costs, and flat wages. And now we are even here in Congress, we are being China, the whole nine yards. He worked going to talk about trade, trade that told that the problem is some immi- there for probably 10 years, and many has sapped our jobs. grant, when in reality the problem, I people worked there for 30 and made a If you look at NAFTA, NAFTA alone believe, is heavily subsidized agri-busi- great living. He is now taking the ma- I want to talk about tonight. NAFTA nesses and our trade policy, which al- chines off the ground, taking the bolts was sold as a way to make sure that lows us to dump cheap, low-cost corn out of the ground, helping move these workers both in Mexico and in America into countries like Mexico, which machines, and they are shipping them would benefit. But has that really hap- wipes out their farm economy and to China. Now, let’s talk about some pened? Has that really happened? drives workers there over here so that dignity. This guy is taking out the ma- What has really happened is the op- they can make a living. chines and shipping the machines and posite. We have seen 3 million jobs lost, Mr. Speaker, it is critically impor- his job off to China. 30,000 in Minnesota alone. NAFTA, by tant that we understand these issues That is where we are at. And we have permitting its heavily subsidized U.S. and we get these issues on the table as got some work to do. We are not saying corn and other agricultural business we debate them because it is hypo- build fences and don’t compete. But in- products to compete with the small critical, in my opinion, to talk about vestments in education, what we Mexican farmers, has driven the Mexi- spending $700 million, or however much talked about early on with stem cells can farmer off the land due to low price we are going to spend on a fence, and and alternative energy, let’s create the imports of U.S. corn and other agricul- not adjust our trade policies. We can’t new wave of jobs that need to be cre- tural products. Some 2 million Mexi- build a fence high enough if we keep on ated for our people to work. It is not cans have been forced out of agri- destroying the farm economy in Mex- just trade and exporting. It is making culture, and many of those that remain ico and dumping cheap commodity investments in the U.S. and creating are living in desperate poverty. These prices there. We have to fix our trade new jobs. people are among those who cross the policy. We have to fix a trade policy Mr. MICHAUD. Thank you very border to feed their families. that benefits American workers and much. That is a very good point that NAFTA service sector rules allow big workers around the world too, Mr. you mentioned because the very mill firms like Wal-Mart to enter the Mexi- Speaker.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:57 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18JN7.121 H18JNPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMHOUSE H6646 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 18, 2007 So I didn’t come here to say a whole United States wants to export their of those who believe in fair trade and lot more than that, Mr. Speaker. I product over there, they are actually are committed to it voted for it be- want to get this issue of trade policy in taxed to a tune of $110 billion. This has cause of those standards. But you the debate as we talk about immigra- to change. This has to change. know, alas, despite documented viola- tion policy, and I want to talk about And when you talk about Fast Track, tion upon documented violation, those trade policy within the context of the actually during the several discussions standards have not been enforced. squeeze the middle-class people are about reauthorizing Fast Track in 1974, So getting back to sort of the points feeling every day. 1988, and 2002, Congress actually en- that you have all been making, rather Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, Mr. couraged the USTR to change the than continuing to pass more free ELLISON brought up a very good point. value-added tax so we can be put on a trade agreements that won’t be en- There has been a lot of discussion over level playing field. We have got to forced and will result in the con- the past month about immigration, change the rules. This is one of the sequences we’ve seen under the broken particularly in the Senate. We will be components that we can deal with in trade system, which means more lost having our discussions here in the changing that rule. jobs, a bigger trade deficit, more of the House. And that is part of the compo- I yield to Congresswoman SUTTON. negative consequences, not just in this nent when you look at trade. It is not Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank country, but it’s out of whack all over; a simple issue. And Mr. ELLISON hit the the gentleman for yielding. rather than doing that, it makes sense nail right on head. If you look at immi- Mr. MICHAUD, again, your leadership for us to focus on things like that of gration, what is happening, they are is inspiring. Mr. RYAN’s bill that will help to fix our coming across the border because they And, Mr. ELLISON, thank you for broken system. being down here. You have been a tre- want a job. They want a good job so You know, Congress should focus on mendous leader on these issues, and they can provide for their family like replacing policies that reward busi- your points about immigration and the any one of us would be doing for our nesses for outsourcing jobs with incen- complexity and the links between these family, provide for our family. tives and should focus on sensible tax I was reading an article, actually, subjects is well taken and important to policies and would help businesses and ‘‘Since NAFTA, Winners and Losers.’’ I recognize because, as you point out, workers make it in America. will just read a part of this article. It Mr. MICHAUD, with the numbers about says: ‘‘As a bonus,’’ talking about the value-added tax, the VAT tax, Mr. ELLISON. Will the gentlewoman NAFTA, ‘‘the predicted increase in jobs there is nothing free about that. When yield? and prosperity in Mexico under NAFTA they call it ‘‘free trade,’’ you kind of Ms. SUTTON. Absolutely. was expected to reduce illegal immi- think you are going to get something Mr. ELLISON. Under the current gration. In 1994, when NAFTA was put good back in return, and it just hasn’t model that we have, who is the entity into effect, then-Attorney General been working. responsible for enforcing trade provi- Janet Reno predicted that illegal im- And the reality is when you read the sions such as labor or environmental migration would fall by two-thirds quote by the former Attorney General, standards? Whose job is it to police within 6 years.’’ at that point the issue was theoretical. those standards? And I want to quote the former At- It was hypothetical. We didn’t know Ms. SUTTON. Well, the greatest level torney General Janet Reno: ‘‘NAFTA is for a fact actually what would happen. of enforcement actually begins and our best hope for reducing illegal im- We thought. We had our ideas. We had rests most directly with the adminis- migration in the long haul. If it fails, our suspicions. But it is no longer theo- tration. effective immigration control will be- retical. We know how this trade model Mr. ELLISON. So has the adminis- come impossible.’’ has failed, and it doesn’t make sense tration been an advocate, protector of I want to repeat that again. This is for us to continue down that same the rights of workers in America, much the former Attorney General Janet path. less right around the world? Reno: ‘‘NAFTA is our best hope for re- b 2200 ducing illegal immigration in the long Ms. SUTTON. The gentleman asks a haul. If it fails, effective immigration You know, we had some talk here good question. No. No. The answer is control will become impossible.’’ this evening about some of the trade no. And I think that that’s an impor- And that is absolutely right. We have deals that are still pending under the tant point. And our colleague, Ms. seen what is happening since NAFTA. Fast Track authority that the adminis- SA´ NCHEZ, made a very important point, The same flawed model is in existence. tration still maintains. And a couple of too, about how this administration It is going to take a real active role of those were mentioned in passing, in- feels about human rights and workers’ the freshmen class and Members of this cluding the pending deals with Peru rights because she talked about the Congress on both sides of the aisle who and Panama, and of course Colombia fact that they negotiated, this admin- really want to make a difference. A and Korea. And recently, the adminis- istration, an agreement with Colombia, new direction, that is what we need, a tration and some congressional leaders where the murder of labor organizers new direction. actually announced that the labor and and human rights violations are rou- We need a new trade model. Part of environmental standards were going to tine. And I think the fact that they are that trade model will go to what Con- be included in the Peru and Panama willing to enter into that agreement gressman RYAN had mentioned when agreements. However, right after that without being extremely diligent on you look at the China currency manip- announcement, reports indicated that correcting that tells us all we need to ulation, when you look at the value- those standards may be put into side know about what this administration added taxes, legislation that has just letters, where we’ve seen them go and thinks about the need to enforce and been introduced, bipartisan legislation not be enforced. And we also heard deal with labor rights, labor standards dealing with a value-added tax that we those who represent the multinational and human rights. So I think that is have to look at that accounts for a big interests who are benefitting under our very concerning. portion of our trade deficit. In the current broken trade policy boast that If we deal with things, though, like United States, 94 percent of all U.S. ex- the standards will not be enforceable. currency manipulation and we deal ports and imports with trade deal with Those are concerning developments. with things like making sure that countries that have a value-added tax. And I guess it is also important to products that are produced elsewhere That is hurting this country. note that, even if the standards are ul- are safe for consumption here, because And for those of you who do not timately in the core of the FTAs, expe- again, there are costs associated with know what the value-added tax is, ac- rience tells us that they will not be en- safety. We have seen a lot of bad reper- tually, for the countries who export forced. In 2000, Congress passed the cussions in recent days about products their products to the United States, Free Trade Agreement with Jordan, coming from outside of this country they actually have been rebating those and it had those labor and environ- here. In fact, today, just today in USA companies the value-added tax to a mental standards in it. As a result, it Today was an article that dealt with tune of $217 billion in 2006. Plus if the received broad support. Actually, some lead in children’s jewelry and how it

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Actually, I would like gentleman from Maine and the the former President, Bill Clinton, said to follow up, Mr. ELLISON, if I might, gentlelady from Ohio what they think we ought to pause on these trade deals because I have in front of me, actually, about a trade model which would give to see what’s happening. testimony of the Assistant U.S. Trade labor organizations, for example, the Mr. ELLISON. Will the gentleman Representative, Ms. Moore, who at- right to charge an infraction of a labor yield? tended our hearing in the Small Busi- standard and to bring a country into Mr. MICHAUD. I would yield. ness Committee on June 13. And I will court for violating a labor standard? Mr. ELLISON. He ought to know. paraphrase. It says, ‘‘Our work aims to What if the sole power for enforcing Mr. MICHAUD. That’s true. He’s the increase exports by expanding market the labor agreement was not in the one that brought us NAFTA. But these access for American goods, creating a hands of a trade representative that issues aren’t Democratic issues or Re- level playing field.’’ She also mentions, was favorably inclined to multi- publican issues. These are issues that and it gets right to your point, ‘‘In ad- national trade but not so much for are important to the United States, dition, we enforce agreements and re- American workers, but actually in the important to our long-term future, and solve trade problems using a wide vari- hands of a labor organization; how we have to look at changing that ety of tools.’’ That is clearly not might that play out? model. And it can be done in a bipar- what’s happening. Ms. SUTTON. Well, the gentleman tisan manner. Congressman TIM RYAN, Mr. ELLISON. Will the gentleman asks a good question. He makes, actu- who was on the floor, is sponsoring leg- yield? ally, a great point, because the reality islation with a Republican Member of Mr. MICHAUD. Yes. here is that we clearly don’t have an this body, DUNCAN HUNTER, on the cur- Mr. ELLISON. A wide variety of enforceable system. First of all, the rency manipulation. I am glad to see tools. I would be curious to know what rules aren’t good to start with. They’re that a Presidential candidate is out some of those tools might be. Are we inadequate, and we have talked a lot there talking about trade, along with talking about tickling somebody with about how they’re inadequate. But the DENNIS KUCINICH, who is also talking a feather, or what kind of tools are we reality is, this Congress could do a about trade. We have the value-added talking about? Are we dragging some- myriad of things, actually, to shape tax, which is another piece of legisla- body into a tribunal and getting sanc- the roles. And they shouldn’t be left up tion which has strong bipartisan sup- tions on them, or are we just talking to just sort of an, oh, maybe if it’s a port, once again, Congressman DUNCAN about something else? certain dollar amount, maybe if it af- HUNTER, Congressman WALTER JONES, Mr. MICHAUD. Well, if you are tick- fects something I care about. No, it myself and Congressman BILL ling them with a feather, it’s probably really should be guided by the infrac- PASCRELL. a feather made in China. tion itself, the infraction of the law, So these issues are not Democratic And I can tell you, the Trade Work- the infraction of the rule. issues or Republican issues. These ing Group has worked very closely with So, one way would be possibly to go issues are American issues. And we a variety of different groups, environ- down the path that you’re talking definitely have to be more aggressive. mental groups, religious organizations, about. And there are other avenues We have to change that trade model. labor, business organizations, the that we might pursue also. But the And we have to sit down and pause, and United States Business and Industry point is, we really need to fix it be- sit down in a bipartisan manner, no Council, associations, small manufac- cause you heard our esteemed col- backroom deals. We’ve seen what these turing businesses here in this country. league from Ohio (Mr. RYAN) talking backroom deals have done in the past, And the United States Business and In- about how we are investing in new and they don’t work. We have to work dustry Council has told me directly technologies. And we all agree with open so the public can see what is that the United States Trade Rep- that, we are all supporters of innova- going on and the real effect that we resentative has turned away businesses tion. But when you have a company currently are seeing with trade deals. when they’ve brought complaints to that is subsidizing and giving a 40 per- Ms. SUTTON. Will the gentleman the USTR primarily because the dollar cent advantage from the start, all of yield? amount wasn’t enough. And I can tell the new technology, all of the edu- Mr. MICHAUD. Yes. you personally that, as you know, I cation and workforce training in the Ms. SUTTON. You know, and to my worked at the Great Northern Paper world, all the increased productivity colleague, Mr. ELLISON, your question, Company for a number of years, and will never allow us to overcome that 40 I think it bears sort of repeating. It is when the company I worked for, when percent head start. inexplicable, but the United States I was talking to the public relations So, again, the points are well taken. seems to be the only nation that does before they filed bankruptcy, they ac- Rather than focusing on trade deals not find it acceptable to help our com- tually went to the Department of Com- that are going to just take us down the panies, to protect them, workers and merce and talked about trade and what same path to lost jobs, why don’t we fix communities, against unfair trade it’s doing, and the response that they those things and then create a system practices. And as a result, we are left got: Yup, you’ve got a great argument, in which trade can flourish? Because I at a disadvantage. All we are really but go spend over a million dollars and believe in trade. asking for is that they have a fair come back to us later on. Well, we Mr. ELLISON. Will the gentlewoman shake. That’s all we are asking for. couldn’t hold on. They filed bank- yield? Mr. ELLISON. Will the gentlelady ruptcy. They closed the doors at the Ms. SUTTON. Absolutely. yield? I agree. American workers are time, and it is devastating. So they are Mr. ELLISON. Should our trade some of the best in the world, innova- not enforcing those agreements, and we model be driven by promotion of Amer- tive, hard-working, no doubt about it, continue to see a huge disparity in our ican economic activity, including jobs? and given a fair chance, can compete trade policy. Or should it be driven by profit mar- with any workers or anyone around the Mr. ELLISON. Will the gentleman gins of huge multinational companies world, but we just need a fair oppor- yield? that really have no allegiance other tunity. So I think we need a new Mr. MICHAUD. Yes. than the profit margin each quarter? model, a new way of doing business Mr. ELLISON. Well, if we already Mr. MICHAUD. Well, I think a trade that will protect American workers start out with what is a trade policy model definitely should look at jobs and also protect American small busi- that is lax, a trade policy with a model and putting us on a fair level playing nesses, and other businesses that actu- that is not inclined toward saving field. ally are in the business of helping American jobs, and then they won’t If you look at this Congress, particu- America prosper and do well. even enforce the rules that they do larly with the freshman class that we And before we wrap up, because I have, what will happen if we vote for a currently have who has been out there, think we are probably getting close, I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:11 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18JN7.124 H18JNPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMHOUSE H6648 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 18, 2007 just want to say briefly that I hope illegal border crossers they were inter- in the truck and go on up into the that people who feel so passionately dicting, the number fell between 25 per- United States. Some of them turn about immigration will incorporate cent and 33 percent. I believe the quote around, walk back across the desert into their arguments the impact of in the testimony was, ‘‘We think we that 20 or 25 miles and go down and get trade policy on immigration. catch between a fourth and a third of another load. Mr. MICHAUD. You are absolutely those who attempt to cross.’’ Now, that This goes on every single night on right. And I would like to close by once is not a very good record when you our southern border, Mr. Speaker, again quoting former Attorney General consider that there are 1,188,000 every single night. That isn’t all the Janet Reno, and I quote, ‘‘NAFTA is illegals, and that could potentially rep- drugs that come across our border, but our best hope for reducing illegal im- resent a third of those that tried or a that is one of the methods that they migration in the long haul. If it fails, fourth of those who tried. use. If we put a vehicle barrier in place, effective immigration control will be- So, I simply take that math and put in some places we have them, that come impossible.’’ that number at 25 percent, which is the amounts to a 5-by-5 steel tubing that is With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back lower part of the number, and then welded on our steel posts, and these are the balance of my time. round it up to put it into a perspective a 5-by-5 steel piling that are set in the f in between the 25 and 33 percent. If you ground, and a 5-by-5 steel tubing that take that number and do the calcula- is welded on there at about bumper NATIONAL SECURITY tion, you come to about 4.6 million, let height of a vehicle, that vehicle barrier The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under me see, about 4.6 million attempts. If will slow down and actually stop vehi- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- you look at the interdiction numbers it cles from driving across the border, but uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Iowa amounts to and round it down, 4 mil- it doesn’t stop individuals from walk- (Mr. KING) is recognized for half the re- lion coming across our southern border ing right through there and carrying maining time until midnight. on an annual basis, and that divides their packs of illegal drugs. Mr. KING of Iowa. Thank you, Mr. out to be about 11,000 a night coming The number that is most commonly Speaker. I appreciate the privilege to across our southern border; 11,000, Mr. represented by the Drug Enforcement address you on the floor of the House Speaker, every night on average. I say Agency is $65 billion worth of illegal on the House of Representatives. It is ‘‘night,’’ because during the day, the drugs coming across our southern bor- always a privilege. activity slows down. It doesn’t stop. der on an annual basis. That $65 billion And this time in our history reflects But at night it speeds up. is, I believe, a street value. I don’t I think one of the most pivotal times I have gone down and sat on the bor- know what it is worth at the border that we’ve had. We are at war for one der in the dark, and without night vi- specifically. In fact, they don’t know thing, and it is a pivotal moment with- sion goggles and without the aid that either. They have got some representa- in that war. And we are watching ter- we have of our security personnel down tions of the breakdown of who gets rorists from overseas that have at- there, but I just sat there and listened, what share of the profit as it flows tacked the United States. And as we sitting next to that cattle fence, that through the illegal drug cartels. But are watching our national security on is not a very good cattle fence, about 5 $65 billion worth on the street is no that hand and as we are debating how barbed wires and steel posts that are small number. we proceed to victory over al Qaeda stretched out to where the wires are That value in illegal drugs consumed and those terrorists on that end, at the separated in the middle so that the il- by Americans destroys untold numbers same time our southern border is being legal traffic can simply bend down and of lives, an incalculable amount of flooded with just masses of illegal im- step over through the fence. human potential, and an innumerable migrants on a nightly basis. And to I sat there and listened maybe 3 number of children suffer because their give, Mr. Speaker, some perspective on hours at a crack with a retired Border father or mother or both are hooked on the scope of that problem, we have this Patrol officer. I could see the shadows illegal drugs, methamphetamines, testimony before the Immigration Sub- filtering through. I could hear the cars marijuana, heroin, cocaine, you name committee, of which I am the ranking coming down on the Mexican side of it, that comes across that border. Espe- member, and I sat intensively through the border. I could hear one of them cially the methamphetamine that hearings and engaged in questions and dragging its muffler rattling as it comes up into my part of the country, actually testified myself for the better drove down there. I could hear it stop up the NAFTA Highway, as I heard part of 5 years at this point, Mr. by a big mesquite tree. I could hear the some of my colleagues talking earlier, Speaker. doors open. You hear people get out. and the pain and the suffering and the You hear them drop their packs on the death that has been dealt out by those b 2215 ground and the doors close kind of illegal drugs, but pushed by $65 billion Mr. Speaker, the testimony that we quietly, but the doors close. You can worth, the street value in the United get from the Border Patrol, as far as hear them pick things up in a hushed States. the Border Patrol representatives for whisper and talk. Then they line up in First, Mr. Speaker, I want to make the profession and the Government, single file, and they walk through the the statement that we have a responsi- identifies that 2 years ago on the mesquite brush in the desert that 100 or bility here in the United States to ad- southern border, our Border Patrol and 150 yards on down to our border and dress the illegal drug consumption in other immigration officers interdicted then file through the fence single file this country. As long as we have the 1,155,000, I believe, illegal immigrants and go on up through the brush into kind of demand that demands $65 bil- attempting to come across our border. the United States. lion worth of illegal drugs on the Last year, it was 1,188,000. The number Some of them, I will concede, are streets, in noses and in the veins and in increases. coming here because they would like to the systems of our American drug Now, one might argue that the effec- find a job and they would like to find a abusers, illegal drug abusers, there is tiveness of our Border Patrol is re- better life. Some of them will send always going to be somebody that flected in the increase in the number of money back to their family. Some of seeks to meet that demand. interdictions from about 1,155,000 to them, that pack they drop on the Right now, the most efficient system 1,188,000. But, Mr. Speaker, I would sub- ground and pick up again is the pack of that is set up, the most competitive mit also that that could very well be a illegal drugs that they will be carrying system that is set up, the system that reflection of increased numbers coming into the United States and delivering has the distribution wired in, is the il- across our border. It is not possible to to a predetermined location, perhaps 25 legal drug lords that control our south- identify whether the Border Patrol is miles up into the United States across ern border and the families that con- more effective or whether they simply the desert along the highway where a trol their segments, the drug cartel have a larger mass of people. vehicle is scheduled to pull off on a families that control the segments of But in any case, when questioned be- turnoff and have those packs of illegal our southern border. fore Committee in testimony before drugs tossed into the back of that Mr. Speaker, we can’t solve this Congress as to what percentage of the truck. Maybe some of the illegals get problem by addressing the border

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