Statement of Senator Dianne Feinstein
On the Passage of Trade Promotion Authority Conference Report
August 1, 2002

"I support passage of the Trade Promotion Authority Conference Report because I believe it represents the right balance, allowing Congress and the Administration to work together as partners to build an effective trade agenda that advances U.S. interests abroad. At the same time, with its Trade Adjustment Assistance provisions, it provides protection and support for workers at home who may be displaced from their jobs due to increased globalization.

For California, which ranks among the top economies in the world and leads the country in exports, trade has served as the engine of the economic growth during the past decade. The further health of the California economy lies with the ability of the President -- with congressional input and oversight -- being able to conclude multilateral trade agreements. Without TPA, closing these multilateral agreements is simply not possible.

I have long supported free trade and believe that expanding free trade and the exchange of goods, ideas, and services across the global marketplace is vital to the success of American industries, the creation of new jobs, and the economic well-being of all Americans."

###