Honorable Jim McDermott
United States Representative, Washington, Democrat
Representative McDermott, of the Seventh District of Washington, was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988. He serves on the Committee on Ways and Means. The following is excerpted from the November 13, 2006, House floor debate on H.R. 5602, extending permanent normal trade relations to Vietnam. Today is a day that shows America really at its best. Withone piece of legislation, we will show the world the heart and spirit of ourcountry. In the grand scheme of things, there is not a lot of money involvedhere, but there is an enormous amount of history and healing…
