Vice President of the U.S., 1989-1993; Former Republican Senator (IN)
Trade creates growth; isolation is retreat
Protectionism was a potent issue on that first January [1992 campaign] trip to New Hampshire. It was understandable that people hurting economically might want to embrace protectionism. But we were sure, whatever problems the economy might have, that
free trade wasn’t one of them.
I visited three different manufacturing plants and reminded voters that 35,000 jobs in the state depended on exports. I kept hearing that N.H.’s Republicans wanted to send us a message, so I told them: “We’ve got the
message. The President understands the problem and is doing something about it. We have a growth agenda. Don’t send us a message of protectionism. Don’t send us a message of isolationism. Those policies will only make your problems worse.“
That was our big disagreement with [Pat] Buchanan. We believed in global leadership, not retreat. We believed in taking charge and being responsible.
Sen. Quayle co-sponsored S.1027 (Introduced by Sen. Gordon Humphrey with 30 co-sponsors): A bill to prohibit trade between the Soviet puppet regime in Afghanistan and the US.
Prohibits importation into the US of any products grown, produced, or
manufactured (in whole or in part) in Afghanistan or any other faction supported by the Soviet Union.
Prohibits exports to Afghanistan for the benefit of such a faction of any goods or technology subject to the jurisdiction of the US.
Source: Bill sponsorship archives from the Library of Congress
, Apr 8, 1987
Fast-track agreements; but also protective tariffs
Sen. Quayle co-sponsored S.490, the Omnibus Trade Act; introduced by Sen. Lloyd Bentsen with 57 co-sponsors.
Title I: Authority to Negotiate Trade Agreements [without Congressional input]
Grants the President, through 1994, the authority to
enter into bilateral or multilateral trade agreements to reduce or eliminate trade barriers or distortions whenever the President determines that such barriers unduly burden or restrict US foreign trade or adversely affect the US economy.
Title II:
Enhancing Competitiveness: import relief for Import-Impacted Industries
Title III: Unfair International Trade Practices Investigation: including allowing countervailing or antidumping duties.
Title IV: Intellectual Property Rights: including
forfeiture of an article imported in violation.
Title V: National Security: restricting importation & exportation of articles that threaten to impair U.S. national security.
China not ready for WTO; engage them & change them
Quayle said China is not ready to enter the World Trade Organization because it has not fully established the rule of law - those rules and regulations that assure investors that their interests can be protected legally. The US should continue to develop
trade with China, but with an eye toward encouraging political and social change, he said. “Our goal should always be not just to engage China but to change China,” he said.
Source: Michael White, Associated Press
, Jul 24, 1999
Click here for definitions & background information on Free Trade.
