In addition

to punitive tax codes, the U.S. is also at a disadvantage because of a

lack of trade commitments with other countries. Collins cited the recent

enactment of Trade Promotion Authority as an opportunity to expand economic

investment and job growth in this country.

"There

is an American worker on an assembly line making a product that they hope

to sell to a customer in the U.S. or overseas. On an identical assembly

line in another country, there is another worker making a very similar

product to sell to the same customer. Because of our tax codes, and a

lack of trade agreements, the American worker is at a disadvantage,"

Collins explained to the approximately 150 attendees. "All of the

taxes are added to the price of the product and because foreign nations

do not have similar tax provisions, they can sell their products for less

than American businesses. This holds back growth our economy needs in

order to create new jobs."

To eliminate

this disadvantage, Collins suggested major tax reform to allow business

to compete on a level playing field with foreign competitors. In addition,

giving President Bush the authority to negotiate fair trade agreements

with other countries will provide many new growth opportunities here at

home.

"Most

other nations already have trade agreements with other industrialized

nations," Collins said. "This allows them to export their products

with lower tariffs, underselling American companies because we lack similar

agreements. By allowing the President to negotiate trade agreements, we

will not only export more American products, we can grow business and

create jobs."

"It's

all about jobs. Jobs come from profits. Profit has become a dirty word

in Washington. Many people think that if a business is profitable it is

because the employees are crooked or greedy. But, profits are what pay

wages, they pay for health benefits, they pay for retirement plans and

401(k) plans, and they allow business to grow and create new jobs. Without

profits, there is no economy," Collins said.

Collins has

been traveling around the Third District this week, meeting with local

officials, business leaders, and residents. He spent Monday at the groundbreaking

of the 475-acre Griffin Spalding Reservoir, discussing many of the same

themes with the gathered local officials. He met Tuesday with city leaders

in Locust Grove, McDonough, and Stockbridge. Wednesday's stops included

LaGrange, Pine Mountain, and Hamilton, and after a Thursday trip to Columbus,

his Friday scheduled included Talbot, Upson, and Meriwether counties.

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