All of us have wondered at times whether all of our efforts in fighting for fair trade has had a serious impact or actually changed the way the Administration views our Nation’s trade laws and policies. After the fights in opposition of Fast Track, NAFTA, the WTO and PNTR, I am proud to report that we really have made a difference.

For the first time, the recent free trade agreement with Jordan incorporates into the core agreement, enforceable labor rights and environmental accords and requires Jordan to enforce it’s own laws. It is true that Jordan is a small country, we didn’t get everything we wanted, and the Business Roundtable, the Manufacturers Association, and the Chamber of Commerce are opposing the enforceable labor rights and environmental accords. But, make no mistake about it; this is a giant step forward in International Trade Policy.

This first step is one that will make it much easier to pattern others agreements upon. In fact, United States Trade Representative Barshefsky reported to the U.S.T.R. Advisory Committee that a newly proposed trade agreement with Singapore will follow the Jordan example.

It is up to us to maintain this momentum, as our government and big business continue to look for other trading partners around the world.