Statement By U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin Ranking Member Of The Trade Subcommittee Of The Ways And Means Committee On Fast Track Extension

"The Bush Administration has requested a two-year extension of fast track. The critical issue is how effective this administration has been in fighting for a more effective trade policy for the American people. I again urge the Administration to pursue a national trade policy that aggressively breaks down unfair trade barriers and opens new opportunities for U.S. exports of goods and services.

"The Bush Administration today also released the annual "National Trade Estimates (NTE) Report, which once again identifies numerous trade barriers that are harming U.S. exports of goods, services, investment and intellectual property rights. The Administration has effectively catalogued these barriers, but it’s time to move beyond cataloguing to forcefully enforcing U.S. rights. Tomorrow, House Democrats will call on the President to file 11 new cases in the World Trade Organization or take other effective action to address unfair trading practices that are hurting U.S. businesses, workers and farmers every day. I urge the Administration use all the tools that are at its disposal by taking immediate and effective action in these 11 cases as soon as possible."

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