They have a right to know what's in the food they eat, the air they breathe and the water they drink. They also have a right to know how their tax dollars are spent and what issues come before this Committee and the Congress. The people have a right to know. I think most of us would agree that as Members of Congress, we have a sacred duty to protect this right. We have a duty to make sure that we are in fact a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
International trade is filled with complex and often divisive issues.
This is understandable. When jobs and the economy are at stake, passion and partisanship can sometimes overwhelm debate between reasonable people with honest differences. Mr. Chairman, we can bridge the divide on trade policy. But to do so we must build trust, bring people together and seek common ground. Mr. Chairman, I believe that letting the sun shine in on trade is the best way to begin.