>> after president grover cleveland lose his bid for reelection his wife tells the staff. you take care of all the ornaments in the house. i want to find everything just as it is now when we come back again four years from today. they did return to the white house. the life of frances cleveland as we continue our series on first ladies. >> now, president obama in moore, oklahoma to survey the damage of last weeks for nato. -- last week cost tornado. he spoke to reporters near what was left of the elementary childrenere several were killed.

he spoke for about 20 minutes. >> good afternoon, everybody. obviously, a picture is worth a thousand words. what we are seeing here gives you some sense of what the

people of moore and oklahoma have been dealing with over these last days. there are a couple of acknowledgment that i want to make. let me begin by just saying that whenever i come to an area that has been devastated by some natural disaster like this i want to make sure everyone understands i'm speaking on behalf of the entire country. everywhere. fellow americans are praying with you. they are thinking about you. they want to help. i am just a messenger here, letting everybody here knows that you are not alone. obviously, the damage is hard to comprehend. our hearts go out to the families who have been impacted including those who have loved ones who were lost. that was true for the parents of some of the children here at plaza towers elementary school. there are a number of people i want to especially thank. they have engaged in some heroic efforts in dealing with this disaster. first of all, governor mary fallin, thank you for your outstanding work. mayor glenn

lewis q has been the mayor here before when there is a disaster. because of his strong spirit and community he has been able to lead us through this. representative tom cole. not only is this his congressional district but this is his hometown. it is very special of a sadness but also a resolve in terms of trying to make sure that the city of moore, oklahoma bounces back. we appreciate him being here. craig fugate is here. we are proud of the work that he and his fema team have done. susie pierce, thank you for your leadership. amy simpson, i want to especially command the plaza towers elementary school principal teacher. they were on the ground when this happened. because of their quick response, their keeping a level head, it saved a lot of people. they are still going through some tough times. i can only imagine their husbands who were here and the panic they were feeling when the tornado first struck. i know that they could not be prouder of their wives for the outstanding work they did in this amazing situation. i want to thank the chief of

police and all of the first responders in this area who were some of the first folk on the team that put themselves at risk to save other people's lives. i can only imagine their husbands who were here and the panic they were feeling when the tornado first struck. i know that they could not be prouder of their wives for the outstanding work they did in this amazing situation. i want to thank the chief of police and all of the first responders in this area who were some of the first folk on the

team that put themselves at risk to save other people's lives. that is what first responders to but sometimes we take it for granted. it is important that we do not. it is important that we continually support them. at my direction, craig fugate a writer on tuesday. fema was on the ground before monday's tornado hit. their teams have completed searches and more than 1200 buildings. we have helped register 4200 people for disaster assistance. we have a approved 3.4 million dollars in direct aid. there is a lot more to come. it is not just the government response. we have seen incredible outpouring of support from community groups who are helping folks begin to recover. to this area has known more than

its share of heart rate. people here pride themselves on the oklahoma standard, being able to work through disasters like this to come out stronger on the other side. that is what we have been seeing this week. from the forecasters to issue the warnings to the first responders, to the teachers who shielded with their own bodies their students, they have inspired us with their love and courage and fellowship. neighbors have been offering up spare bedrooms and couches. universities have opened up their bedrooms. this is a strong community with strong character. there is no doubt they are going to bounce back. they need help. just like any of us would need help if we solve the kind of devastation that we are here.

we have about 1200 homes that have been completely destroyed. we have 12,000 that have been damaged in one way or another. that is a big these of business. along with the schools, we have a hospital that has been destroyed. it'll take a long time for this community to rebuild. i want to urge every american to step up. i have one message for folks here today. go online. donate to the american red cross. if you are from the area and need to register for disaster assistance, you can call 1-800- 621-fema or disasterassistance.gov. go ahead and reach out. they are going to be professionals who will be

willing to provide you the assistance you need. we know moore will come back stronger from this tragedy. your mayor says are already printing new street signs. we are going to be with you every step of the way. on sunday tornadoes touched down 40 miles from here. there was a story that struck me. in the rubble was found a bible open to the words that read "a man will be as a hiding place from the wind and the cover from the tempest." it is a reminder that god has a plan and it is important to remember that we are an instrument of his will and we need to know that as fellow

americans we are going to be there at shelter from the storm for the people who have been impacted. when we say we have your back, i promise you, we keep our word. i have talked to folks in joplin who have sent volunteers down here. we will be here until you completely rebuild. we mean it. i want everybody to have that confidence. all the people here behind me, i want to say how proud i am of them, how grateful i am of their service. i want to make one final comment. a lot of the first responders talked about the training they have done. in part through some federal grants to prepare for disasters

like this. as a consequence, they know what to do. they are not losing time. they are able to go through all the drills. training, education, in both citizenry and first responders is critical. we need to make sure that remains. i'm confident resources will remain. there is also the ongoing training and equipment that we are making sure that those things are not shortchanged. we cannot just wait until the disaster happens. in part that is how we are able to save a lot of lives. i want everybody to keep that in mind. let me say thank you to everybody here. madam governor, thank you for your leadership. may god bless the people of oklahoma. may god bless the united states of america.

>> president obama toured the damages and walked i the remains of the elementary school where seven children were killed. he stopped to talk with first responders. joining him were other state includingofficials

the governor and fema administrator.

>> we keep going this way. >> it look like joplin. an on theg was this ground? minutes.

>> also the debris.

>> hello, everybody.

>> thank you. we appreciate it. thank you so much.

it is good to see you. what is your name? i understand what a great school district it was. we were just talking on the way over here. [inaudible]

we appreciate what you have done.

[inaudible] how are you, sir? [inaudible]

[inaudible]

[inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible]

how are you doing? how are you holding up? were you in the school? [inaudible]

[inaudible]

>> i appreciate it. >> president obama also visited near a school at a place used as a command center. >> swing around. we will get a picture.

>> nice to see you, sir. you did a great job. inc. you very much. i appreciate it. thanks to the national guard and local officials am a all who coordinated. we appreciate the great work you have done. >> this has been a tremendous collaboration between first responders and the national guard. has beenon like this relatively smooth because of interagency. >> and good leadership. why don't you swing around so we can take a picture? how is that? thank you, guys, not just today

but every day. thank you.

[inaudible] > tom goldstein can you-- [inaudible]

thank you so much. you did a great job. >> tomorrow, president obama and first lady michelle obama take part in memorial day ceremonies at arlington national cemetery. live coverage begins at 11 a.m. on c-span. now dr. dustin buckley of mercy hospital in oklahoma city talks about their role operating an urgent care facility in the heart of the disaster zone in moore, oklahoma.

are with mercy hospital, and i am with one of the -- i am one of the physicians. they need supplies of emergency medicine. we brought them out here. what is found is that people are in need of first aid. this is setup as a temporary temporary clinic, so people who need it, we have three separate exam room to do a more complete examination if they need it. a lot of cleanup crews have come through. there is so much debris. a lot of people are stepping on nails and glass. we came out tuesday afternoon. you could not walk without stepping on debris. it was everywhere. we gave over 200 50 tetanus

shot yesterday in the space of about four hours, -- about 250 s in four hours. we are going to get our community back. >> now up at triage center located in a home depot in the disaster zone in moore, oklahoma. he talks about the treatment pets can receive as well as how to report pets lost in the storm. , -- >>got this set up we got this setup, and private practitioners had this going before before we got down here. there are many veterinary clinics in the area. oklahoma department of agriculture is the agent the charts with that sheltering --

pet sheltering. most of the people are private veterinarians who volunteered. we are in charge of putting everything together and organizing. petse who have lost their can check-in. we have a database. we can help you find them. if an an animal is injured we provide first aid. we are not setup to do anything major, but if they are dehydrated we can get them going on an iv. we can't can clean them and bandaged them. if they have anything like a broken leg or a concussion or a serious laceration, we have to provide first aid. we have for private offices we ur by thathave fo offices. --probably have brought in have you heard anyone say a

number? . some have gone to the other shelters. 400 pets.ought in come throughhave here. after the animals have in brought in, they are put in here until we are able to take them to a private clinic or one of the shelters. seen lacerations. we have seen a few broken pelvises, several fractured legs. severe lacerations, contusions, concussions. those are the major things. unsure wounds because of flying debris -- puncture wounds because of flying debris.

the first night we got here about 5:00 monday night. there were private veterinarians who set up the shelter. we are did organizing the paperwork and all that, pretty much worked all night and saw a lot of animals. the next day a lot of animals, and thursday it started slowing down a little bit. thursday until today we have to 30in an average of 25 animals a day. we were anxious to see what is going to happen today. this is saturday. we know a lot of people were coming in today to spend time with friends, neighbors, relatives, looking for debris and trying to help them sort

things out in their damaged houses. curious as to whether we were going to find a lot more pets injured today, and we have not. that is encouraging and makes us inc. we have most of them recovered. a lot of the ones -- makes us inc. we have most of them recovered. a lot of the ones today have been in the owner's care, and they brought them into make sure they were ok. we had one cat who came came in who was very dehydrated. the veterinarian believes it may be in kidney failure, may be a chronic kidney failure and the stress of this but it over the edge. are to theve we point where we are going to s.art seeing less rescued pet

we have no idea. we know how many have been brought in to the shelters, but we do not know how many others were not even brought to a shelter, so i cannot even make a s as to how many pet were impact it. guess as to how many were impacted. >> next, the european trade deal debate and tim cook and then the state of healthcare in america. the do not underestimate difficulty of doing this auction. we have never done this before. it is complicated. parts.re a lot of moving i know they are working diligently to get it done. our job is to make sure they are adhering to the law, that we are in constant communication.

we want as much of the spectrum made available to sail in the auction as possible so we can build more infrastructure. >> the auris and congressmen on the auction and other communications issues -- the oregon congressman on communication issues. >> embers of the european parliament debated a free trade agreement between the eu and the u.s.. negotiations are expected later this summer. here is a portion of the debate. this is an hour and 15 minutes. >> we move onto the next item on the agenda. that is statements on eu trade

and investment issues with the .s. >> i would like to give the floor on behalf of the irish presidency. >> at a time when we face difficult challenges, it is important that we focus on measures that will restore confidence and create new and needed jobs.

it is estimated it will lead to 2 million jobs. job creation is not simply a measure of success. it is about restoring dignity to those who want to work but cannot find a job. this is why the conclusion reached earlier this year with the u.s. on the mutual benefits of a comprehensive trade agreement and the subsequent presentation by the commission to the council of a draft negotiating mandate is very welcomed. free trade agreement with the u.s. will boost trade, open up markets, help create jobs and stimulate competitiveness. the transatlantic trade relationship is vital to prosperity. from two billion in euro everyday.

the impact prepared by the commission on the transatlantic trade estimates the agreement will boost the e.u.'s economy by about 0.5% of gdp. the overall objective of the e.u.'s common trade policy is to promote open honest trade based on regulation which are benefit to the e.u. and to the entire international community. we achieved this through discussions within the world trade organizations as well as through bilateral regional trade negotiations. negotiations on the transatlantic trade investment partnership compliment negotiations. the presidency is absolutely committed to reaching within the council on a decision

authorizing the opening of negotiations and mandate to the commission. on the 17th of april 2013, focused on e.u. trade. we were very pleased that ministers were joined. that meeting was extremely useful to focus on how we take the process forward and encouraging a strong shared sense of commitment to reaching a rapid outcome. i think it was also a sign of the very high priority which the irish presidency attaches to this issue. i'm grateful to the parliament for your corporating support for the development of e.u. trade

relations and very thankful to the professor for his personal commitment to this very important project for our citizens. we pay close attention to your views on the issue and share the emphasis which you have post on the need strengthen and deepen the e.u.-u.s. economic relationship. we take the view that we must capitalize on matters already achieved and further exploit the existing potential for the transatlantic business relationship. this will send a strong signal at a time of serious economic difficulty, both of our economies are prepared to extend an open market. this will send a clear message to our global trading partners. the commission's proposal for a mandate for a transatlantic trade is being discussed in the council. obviously some detailed work is required not least giving the extent of range of interest and

issues which this touches on. our range is to reach agreement on the mandate on the 14th of june which will be dedicated to trade issues. as soon as the negotiating directives are adopt, the council will perform the european parliament. i look forward to this discussion this evening and particularly to hearing your views on this very important topic. thank you. >> thank you very much minister. commissioner, you have the floor. >> thank you madam president minister and colleagues. let me underline the importance of this parliament commitment and contribution, preparations and negotiations for the transatlantic trade and

partnership. i thank the professor for the intercommittee for the work done so far. since our last debate in october, we have been pleased with the report. the elements that's very important to you are in it. the commission welcomes the solution that you have prepared in the context of the mandate discussions. it is constructive and i see it as firm support to associations along the lines, high level working group report. our objective for the negotiating directive is to have a group that give us flexibility. otherwise, we will never be able to also take concessions from the americans. which means at all cost avoid taking issues off the table before negotiations even start. let me be clear, this does not mean that there will be no red

lines during the negotiations. no fundamental, policy is up for being traded away. it's a guiding principle of the commission's actions including in the context of trade. the commission is fully committed to the defend this policy in the negotiations. let me be crystal-clear with respect to the services what are left are lines will be. one, the members state measure in support of the individual sector can be maintained and will not be subject to

negotiations. u.n. retain policy to promote cultural diversity, etcetera. it will include the development of instruments to finance cultural works. this applies in particular to cinema and public broadcasting. two, no one will touch the necessary policy space to adjust policy view of the technology change. we do not believe that there could be a serious argument in favor of increasing such base. for example by reserving the right for 100% foreign movies and tv programs. for example on video on demand services. three, we acknowledge that the main challenge in the future to support individual sector is to address the digital technology. u.n. member states need policy space to do this. we will reserve the necessary policy pace to regulate in order to adapt our policies to

technological evolution in the audio-visual sector. we believe a full scale exclusion of services in the t.p.t. negotiations is neither necessary nor justified. that does not mean taking entire areas off the table before negotiations have even started. there are more workable conclusions by still preserving those red lines. at the same time -- please exclude from individual services. we all agree these negotiations will be a unique opportunity to make a difference. it creates tremendous impact on jobs on both sides without costing a cent of taxpayer money. if you add to this safety health

and environmental standards under no circumstances will be lowered. we should have what it takes to convince those who may still have doubts. now that the process to launch negotiations is under way, both in the u.s. and on our end, we need above all is strong and political from all of us. continue to focus on delivering results across all areas is the single most useful recipe for success. this negotiation is too big to fail and we all have on the table to benefit from. let's build on this. i couldn't on your continued support in that direction. thank you very much. >> thank you commissioner. >> let's move on to group spokesman. first of all i turn to mrs. crystal from the european, two minutes please.

>> thank you very much madam president. commissioner, my callings, after more than 20 years, and a lot of preliminary work and on all possible levels, last, i feel saying, we are seeing real opportunity for negotiation of a comprehensive tree trade agreement between e.u. and the u.s. i think that everyone here in parliament think this is very welcome. basically we're all in agreement on that, basically. when we get to details, i'm afraid there's a lot of need for discussion.

after many years of parliament, i can see that all the institutions are now playing a different role. i spoke on the phone with a lady representative of the government in berlin who said to me, yes we're giving something up. you need to know what you're going to do with that in the counselor is playing a new part and commission these play a new has to play a new part as well. has to take account of parliament. i already spoken about that on a number of occasions. i'm really looking forward to months, years of cooperation open cooperation with the commission. at the moment, we are very much in the public eye over all in the media.

please let's hope it stays that way in the coming months or years. there can be nothing worse than if after the start of the negotiations, we were all to go back and get on with it there. let me now court an american voice. >> the big picture, not about the small print. >> i think all of us in this house can support that. so let's work on it. let's make sure the big picture is a beautiful picture. >> thanks very much. we now turn to the group -- three minutes please. >> thank you madam president.

commissioner. we want to make progressive time. this is why it makes sense where we've got markets for industrial product and where we can generate jobs. so, yes we want agreement. however, we also more than way of the fact, with the negotiation with the united states negotiate with a partner which is hallmarked characterized by different traditions, different ideas in many areas, which are ideas that we'll come to our own. for example, consumer protection and food is concerned, where we

have quite different ways of going about things. or if you look at data protection in europe of course, we see, this is an individual fundamental right. and partners across the atlantic have slightly different ideas about this. if we're talking about developing cultural diversity, we have an explicit strategy to support cultural diversity in europe. last but not least, we got question of workers rights which is quite crucial we have a social dialogue in europe and on the basis of their i.l.o. convention, we have -- things are quite different in the u.s.a. there are certainly red lines which we want to make sure respected in the form of negotiations. it's important that we not lose sight.

i will tend to say let's work towards standards and not so much trying to want to solve everything. particularly against the backdrop of the different traditions and different ideas. we need to look at main interest. we need to try to secure them and we need to try to generate success.

>> thanks very much mr. lange. from the liberal group. >> thank you president, commissioner, minister colleagues. the ambition of braking down barriers is historic. beside the opportunity to great jobs, economic growth without government needing to invest, the scope is wide and an ambitious in an unprecedented way. the road ahead will be long and rocky. the goal of setting common standards and boosting competitiveness together in a rapidly changing world are persuasive. the liberal groups support a comprehensive agreement. we now need no red lines. let there be no confusion. the green light -- this parliament has a key role to play. to represent all interest of consumers, citizens, small immediate sized enterprises,

business and civil society. stakeholders are eagle to be involved to share their hopes and concern. commissioner it is essential to ensure benefits are not only measured in spreadsheets and studies not only for shareholders are in boardrooms. the transatlantic trade should lead to a win-win situation to high level standards of fundamental rights and right and consumer protection. this should be an agreement for and by people. macroeconomic figures alone are not enough to gather political support. we and you must do all you can to gain trust in the process. transparency is essential. while we share concern for the

gaps between for example the federal level and the state level on the american side, for the independents the regulators how that should figure into the negotiation. on our side we must keep an eye on not being too fragmented. let's work together to ensure local communities, specific sectors and constituencies can share their concerns and hopes but that we keep in mind the bigger picture and the ambitions that we share. let's make sure the bigger picture trickles down and translates to the individual level. i believe we have an opportunity we must take but we cannot be naive about the challenges. thank you .... >> thanks very much. inc. you, madam president. commissioner.

, madameally surprised minister to hear you're just pick up the elements in the communication on macroeconomic figures, really beyond criticism, because we had this talk about the various issues, which we are talking about. it is not just socks and things like that. it is societal choices we have to talk about. audiovisual services, including internet and the cultural exception. to refuselso the need gmo'slorinated meat and that theone-fed beef u.s. wants to sell us. how can you go and explain that

in a few years, multinationals can demand hundreds of millions of euros of compensation because ireland and the irish people would decide to put their own public policy of far as health issues concerned. these are the choices we are negotiating and we are doing it without any proper information. haveen the commission, we a negotiating mandate which changes any that they have got access to. we are in a situation where ordinary people do not know what is being negotiated. we are about to start the negotiations. you are going to change the public services here, gmo's somewhere else. this political construction of a free trade agreement is disgraceful. you need to demand and the condition should be put under

pressure so that these negotiations are transparent. it is totally unacceptable citizens keep out of the loop when it comes to make -- the negotiations. we cannot just extend the american model into europe on the pretext the european commission sold you a percent of growth. my group will vote against the resolution. we are not ready and europe is not ready. our industrial policy is not for sale. we need to know precisely what is discussed here and need to act in a responsible way. and do not listen to what the commission is telling you. listen to what the europeans are telling you. thank you. [applause] >> thank you. there is a blue card for you. do you agree to answer the question? accusingtion, are you the french representative of

lying? that is the first question. the second one, do you not think that the fact that the majority in the parliament except the resolution tomorrow is a democratic act, a democratic choice we are making together? solidly a pretty majority. >> my dear colleague, when the representative council gives us figures, if we negotiate, if we complete all the negotiations, we will get two percent growth in europe, then i think yes, there is a scientific flaw going on here and it will become a political fraud. the citizens of europe want their economy kick started. they are promised growth rates that have never been achieved in the past.

but i believe yes, there is ayou are allowing the citizens of europe to know who will negotiate on it. this should be a right choice. you, yourself, you do not have a negotiating mandate. do you have a copy of the most recent terms of resolutions? support the commission without knowing what they going to do? >> thank you. >> thank you. german commissioner. president of counsel. i disagree with you. i usually do disagree with him. i think the commissioner in question has always been willing to come to the trade committees. this is not about individual members chime to negotiate individually with the united states. fors a huge opportunity

jobs, for growth, prosperity, right across the union, in financial services, in insurance services, and in the motor industry. trade on the korean free- agreement. the industry was very against it there this time, there is a huge opportunity for them. e are talking about the motor industry, commissioner. pass one of the most important issues would be the standards. the u.s. standards vary from state to state. and, therefore, it is particularly important we get that. i do not believe a car is any more dangerous in the than in -- in the united states than is in the european union. we have a set of standards we should mutually get. the third point, the rules of global systems.

we failed in the realm where enter bilateral realms seemed to be disappearing. it is about signaling to the whole of the wto to the world the ee was open for business business. in a crisis time. there is a crisis within the european union at the moment. we want to be outlooking. i feel there is a real risk. i would say the recent speech by about thellande protection of the way in which she feels about the trade deal, it is a great risk. i think we have a unique opportunity, negotiating on behalf of the european union. the commissioner and test the commission must have a hand get the best deal.

i have total trust. in the commission. >> thank you. there is a blue card. would you accept? >> i wonder if you would accept the transatlantic trade agreement, there is a potential game changer in the united kingdom. this could make some of our eurosceptics -- value was it does. >> the problem in the united kingdom is many parties feed the other parties by their euro skepticism. it creates almost and oxygen. i totally agree with you. i think the u.s. would never negotiate just with the united kingdom, whatever people think. i was involved and i remember, if they were not interested in dealing just with united kingdom, and we were new members at that time into the

european union, they wanted to deal with the european union. therefore, yes, i agree with you. >> thank you. >> the uk is the largest foreign investor in the u.s. similarly, the u.s. is the largest foreign investor in the uk. it is a commercial link that is more important than and transcends any relationship between prime minister and president. we not only have a shared language but a shared legal system, shared culture, and they shared row business orientation. other states, except for ireland, have none of these. the uk should not be compelled to negotiate with the u.s. on

trade. only so the person of the you trade commissioner, however capable the gentleman is. >> thank you. >> mr. schultz. >> thank you. madam president, minister, commissioner. europes of people in feel a lack of trust here. they feel they are not being represented properly. i am sure you are familiar with this. look at the things happening with agriculture, genetic technology. we are selling off our data protection. cultural diversity of europe,

and much more. simply ignoring these concerns in part of our people. nothing about the previous act, do not worry, you can count on my group fully. we want an agreement that excepts the interest of our people and make sure the companies create democratic societies that are democratically presided. -- represented. they will set new legislation in the usa. more deregulation. it is going to be a bilateral deal, eu and u.s. it will overwrite multilateral negotiations. i support my group's amendments. thank you. >> thank you.

>> thank you very much, madam president. a free-trade agreement, which is comprehensive comprehensive and balanced between the u.n. the u.s., could unlock a great deal of potential for moral economic cooperation tween the two biggest economies in the world. 30% of world trade. it is a tremendous opportunity to promote a sustainable economic growth, and create more jobs in europe. it seems to me, a duty, to therefore move forward with the trade associations. -- negotiations. we need to be aware how difficult they can be. reduced access to markets too many barriers that exist are --venting the two size room

from trading effectively from one another and are hurting our industry in europe. i am saying about small and medium enterprises. we need to have a balance agreement, most of all, where intense vacation of trade be accompanied i the president, preserving the values of the eu, by the protection of the health and safety. we want to see the european commission during the negotiations working for high levels of protection as far as intellectual property rights are concerned. as well as the european geographical indicators. attacking unfair competition, and making sure european quality is protected. it is important we negotiate with the u.s. and also respect the principle of cultural diversity.

it needs to be a key element in our competitiveness. only balanced trade agreements and comprehensive ones based on principles of reciprocity can be a real opportunity for growth and development in the future. thank you very much, madam president. >> thank you. we move onto backbench speakers. the first one has two minutes. >> the european parliament has been calling for us to put transatlantic relations with the usa -- this leads us to this is a major success for us. i think it is a good farewell terms of the negotiations

starting. i think we ought to learn from the negotiations we have had in the past. over the last few years, we have learned by you in many respects. i do not think we should be talking about fairy stories. the commissioner has been keeping us fully apprised of the situation. the same was true in the past. i would be glad if we can stop these legends. the commissioner has given us excellent information on a number of areas. if you look at 700 billion and look at the other parameters, we will see we can release the burden on our citizens. looking ahead to future

legislation, the commission would be able to reach agreement with the u.s. more effectively. in the parliament, we have to learn as to how we can make better use of the transatlantic dialogue. so we can prevent new obstacles from being set up. i would be glad if we could launch the negotiations. i really hope they will not be host bone to the greek comments but will be brought to successful conclusion. >> expected. a blue card. >> daniel, the version i got was dated march 12.

i am convinced a more recent version was gotten. the question i have for you is are you in favor of this version, which is numbered, so it cannot be lead to be made public so our citizens can be informed what the commission is negotiating about on behalf of 500 million citizens? are you in favor of the mandate being made public? >> yes. you cannot be against. you could read about it in american journals already. the good would come for citizens of reading such a negotiation mandate? we have a responsibility.

we have to inform the citizens about the contents of the negotiation. i wish the commission would continue with this commission of telling us during and after the negotiations about developments. i do not think we should continue accusing. >> you have the floor. >> just a brief question. perhaps our citizens would like to be able to read the negotiation so they could form their opinion about it. >> my dear colleague, citizens are wide -- lies in the european union. and i am very sure the large

majority of citizens in my own country, my voters, will have faith in us doing our jobs properly on behalf of those citizens so they do not have to spend time reading these negotiating terms and so on. do you think it is a good idea for us to put everything on the table? the red lines, and so on? do you think it would work that way? do you think negotiations work that way? and you are heckling me there. certainly, you should take a more positive attitude to a negotiation like this. >> three minutes. please. >> thank you very much. commissioner, madam minister, the first goal of the resolution is to provide support to the negotiations for the agreement on trade and

investment with the u.s. all the analyses we have show we will really regain in terms of growth and employment. this could be a huge flip for the economy and europe and we need this badly. athink the resolution is compromise and is balanced and deals with many of the issues parliament talks about when it comes to external trade. it refers to key areas for the european union, as public --trast, financial services, public contracts, financial- services, geographical him indication, as well as some of the more defensive, food safety, the cultural exception, personal data protection, as is clear, the european union has little role for maneuver in the sensitive areas.

it does not mean they should definitely be left out of the negotiations right from the beginning. first of all, because excluding them would not allow us to defend our position. secondly, leaving certain sectors means we are giving the u.s. equal right to leave out some sectors we would like to negotiations are bound to be a bit of give and take. the agreement will not be an ordinary trade agreement. it will not be a question of removing duties and reducing barriers, as far as servitors are concerned.

many of the obstacles to trade are in regulatory differences, technical issues, safety regulations, and financial rules, just to mention a few. this is not going to just provide deregulation, but more between the two size be brought in. treated to being in areas where they do not yet exist as far as investments are concerned, for example, energy, etc. now show the two sides are in the need as far as world trade is concerned. it is important for the future that these negotiations move ahead. as far as the mandate is concerned, the european parliament has said it is willing to closely monitor the situation, as is right. we also say we want to strengthen the normal parliament

oversight for this, before and after every negotiating. it will not be easy, these negotiations. we want to strengthen the union's legacy adding hands hands to protect our interests and values. we all want this to come through successfully. thank you. >> thank you. mr. chairman, commissioner, colleagues, given the commission's mandate to launch the eu-u.s. trade and investment negotiations, the potential of these bilateral trade relations remain somewhat untapped. this is mainly due to the numerous trade and investment barriers, as well as to the challenges in the area, financial services, and ip. all of these are major impediments to an integrated transatlantic market.

i therefore believe in eu-u.s. comprehensive trade investment agreement would greatly benefit the economy is of both parties as worldly leaders. the approval of negotiations mandate without first excluding cultural services is risky. then services relate to one of the united europe's fundamental principles, mainly, -- so far, the u.s. has successfully upheld and interrogation during the liberalization process. both bilaterally and in the wto. at the same time, we have supported the it option on the protection and promotion of iversity of cultural it's -- cultural expressions. bulgaria, a country i know best, finds it to maintain the arts. it is necessary for the eu to

secure the exclusion or at least to clearly define and uphold the red lines in relation to the agreement. otherwise, cultural may be easier downgraded to merchandise. thank you. >> thank you, madam president. commissioner, my minister. is start up of negotiations something i have mixed feelings about. i certainly welcome the opportunities this offers. at the same time, i need to draw attention to the risks. lobbyingow unilateral interests to take over the political initiative, we were concerned about the protection of the environment and of consumers and also with the unions here in the united states. we are concerned about things

investors disputed. resolutions. our main and demand today is that we want much more transparency. why do u.s. representatives and their congress have that her information about this than we do? in this house? why should we be less transparent than that used to be? a few years ago. if you accept that, you will fail. >> thank you. >> madam president, minister, commissioner. many welcome the opening of the discussions. we know it will not be easy. as the chairman of the committee said, there will be tough areas. geographical indicators, gmo's, and audio and digital media services. that is all -- let us all pause for the fragile french culture

that needs to be protected in any of these agreements because it cannot stand on its own. we have to remember one party standard is often another party's barrier. as long as we can make sure we have an open and transparent process, let us hope we can avoid the process of others, that we address so many issues, these agreements become about anything but trade. will can do that, it hopefully become a successful trade agreement. >> thank you. >> thank you, madam president. the potential free-trade agreement between the uma u.s. is something we are talking about in superlatives and i think it is an ambitious agreement and that will

certainly have the potential to have positive effects in a number of areas. when the restrictive americans is amended. there are a number of comments. we have to deal with a lot of different bilateral trade agreements, the so-called spaghetti bill effect. it is something which does not make international trade easier to keep track of. we have got the rules and we have to stand up for the dollar -- doha agreement. >> thank you. mr. murphy, please. thank you. when we hear the irish presidency, the commissioner, and the members in this house talk about the proposed agreement, you would have the impression they were talking about a santa claus for europe. it is bringing jobs, economic growth, prosperity, and all with no visible negatives. i do not believe these promises will be delivered upon.

nafta, the example illustrates the point. instead, what we will see with secret negotiations, without real public scrutiny, without real political scrutiny, is an attempt to converse labor and social standards downwards. for example, the attempt by the u.s. ivory business to get access to the eu market for gmo's. the mandate illustrates the real agenda behind these negotiations. it is one shaped by the interest of big this mess rather than working with people on other side of the atlantic. i am opposed to a possible agreement for a free trade area. you see an attempt to get access to justice for big business. what happened in canada shows what will happen there. at the moment, $2.5 billion worth of claims taken against canada, including regulations against frakking.

a joint struggle by working people. this attempt needs to be stopped, a race to the bottom against the atlantic. thank you. >> thank you. >> thank you, madam president. this agreement is a very great economic and political situation for us. there are many advantages to began by joining europe and american. thether, we can cope with changes. we can ride out the changes and set industrial standards that will apply in other parts of the world. it will strengthen us in the global and economic order. torefore, we must try

achieve this and make sure we have the political momentum. in the past, we have failed. we have thought too small. we must see the big lyrical picture and get our interests across. we negotiate and we will lose this pair the european union this. the biggest economic power on the earth. we have faith in the commissioner to uphold our interest is within the for negotiations. i hear all the concerns about culture, social standards. you can only negotiate where europe has powers. they are limited in the culture and in those areas. these are not european powers. it is very limited. negotiate and give things away. it is a big chance here. we have real advantages for us. madam president, we have got to

get ready to make this something for the people of europe. we can always refuse to ratify it there and we have ratification rights. the americans know that. the commission knows that. success for both of our people. i wish you have success with them. thank you. >> thank you. >> i think the president set out what the red lines are. and the social model, which we want to defend during the negotiations. we will be tough on the matter. i want to say, how much the

differences between the americans and ourselves on these points are. let me give you a single example. in the recent bangladesh tragedy, after the collapse of the building, european companies got together and found an agreement on safety and working conditions in bangladesh. the american companies refused to sign up to the agreement. that shows the huge gap between the two sides. mr. commissioner, let me come to the audio visual services as well. they have to be excluded, specifically excluded from the negotiations. the eu-canada agreement works on a negative, excluding the audiovisual sector, defined by its unique characteristics, not by the technology it uses and the public service act specs of this will continue to develop in the environment. thank you. >> thank you. can i first say, you should not

oversell the future agreement as if it on its own would solve all of our roads and employment problems in the eu. uswth and employment is for to solve our own problems at home. what we have got to do is have the first, broadcasting audiovisual, and i support what was just said. the second is public and human -- public procurement contracts. we do not want small businesses we are supporting, a european industry, to support as well. we also have a european farming market we have to defend. the european model of very great quality with quality. we must be very vigilant. we cannot agree to alluring

standards, or to the idea it should be one standard, americanized. the europeans have a model to defend. that is what public opinion expects of us. >> thank you. >> thank you, madam president. commissioner. during this time of crisis and problems for our citizens, we improve economic and social situations here in europe. i am in favor of the agreement, but i really wonder about the future negotiations. some sectors need particular care. agriculture, defense culture. -- defense, culture. when it comes to agriculture, the various and the significant issues, dmo's, clothing, health

standards, and the designation of origin. european citizens are saying no to gmo's and food protection safety. we have a right to protect them and it would be a duty to protect them. i am wondering whether we should include a mandate for the first time, audiovisual services. i have already talked to you about this this last july. i repeat the question tonight. simple exclusion of audiovisual in the mandate would be a good and surely. over and above. the economic importance, they are politically and in culturally important.

i call to redraft the mandate. with the agreement, we want social health to be leveled up and not down. finally, the european parliament will ultimately decide and ultimately have the last word when it comes to approving the final agreement or not. thank you. mr. castro. >> thank you. a great culture is very sensitive and at the heart of the negotiations. it will not be easy. we must commit to defending our principles, the principal among them, and we work for quality and upgrade quality. geographical and descriptions of origin. and we want to see this as a big possibility for our agriculture. we should not be too defensive. we should focus on the proactive seeking after the

advantages we might get from the globalization of the scope. perhaps we can move the body we suffer from when trading with opportunity for businesses. there will be more jobs in a growing and lively sector. like the food sector. thank you. >> council presidency, i am not assuming that he is lacking in transparency. if we have got a lively debate, of the committee meetings, you have always made yourself available. really, i think some people are claiming we want to reject the agreement, but we should not forget the agreement

will have few strategic significance. between us, we create 50% of the global social product. about trading investment partnership, this is a signal to the rest of the world. nothing is progressing. the world is not going along with it. an additional factor, do we think tf1 has to be bought by the americans? we need to look at european films with european money. we can be a little bit more self-confident. europe has a lot to offer. >> thank you. madam president, ladies and gentlemen.

>> we are starting a great task of creating the foundation of something that will be the atlantic market in the future. for now, we must negotiate and conclude an agreement with the americans. the agreement will create new jobs in the you. eu.he economyhave more growth. we should remember the agreement will concern the nation of agreements. it will be an agreement which will lead to a situation where a strong economic block will be formed and our values will be reinforced through the world. democracy, human rights, freedom. but, we must also remember, there are areas in which there are deep differences between us and americans.

for example, in the area of intellectual property rights, specifically the method in which they are followed and executed, as the vice president of the international craig committee wanted to declare, i will do the up most to not come back into europe through a backdoor. thank you very much. >> thank you. mr. skinner. >> thank you. what has been said about the value of trade between the eu and the u.s. and what this elation ship underpins. we have heard it summed up as growth, though some people would like to cast doubts on that. what this really does is underlines the progress made and can be made and still needs to be made on global standards and

regulatory coherence. the eu and the u.s. can stand together now and make a difference. in a few more years, our chances will be very slim. rules and in financial risk, rules keeping environmental and labor standards high. these are up for grabs, a discussion between two equals in the world. i come from a country that knows something about bureau skepticism. believe me. when i end up defining it as nationalism, little mindedness, and, indeed, protectionism, that is my definition of bureau -- euro skepticism -- skepticism. we have a commission that can negotiate for the eu on the mission of trade. we should have confidence we can do that together, rather than pick it apart nationally. as we have seen some today.

[applause] >> thank you. >> thank you. the negotiation is and extort relations between the eu and the usa. it has already called for the negotiations to be initiated. we now have an excellent opportunity to inject into this relationship, new dynamism, which is much needed in the times of crisis, and it is also politically timely because many believe the transatlantic relation might change because the eurozone is turning and believe the west is losing its leadership in the world is being brics that are growing, in china. the commissioner will drive

forward world trade. an agreement could accelerate other block negotiations. it allows for a broader approach to relations given existing agreements with other american countries. i am thinking mexico, canada, central america, colombia, peru, and chile. an agreement could lead to a very large free-trade zone, including the aforementioned. a triangular area involving the usa, the usa and canada, and several latin american countries. several bilateral relations agreements. we will have a broader atlantic, the beneficial impact, speaking, because it will inevitably have that impact. >> thank you. the next speaker is for one

minute. >> thank you very much. the european union have always excluded the audiovisual services from the scope of the negotiations for free-trade agreements, whether they are bilateral or multi-lateral. the recent examples, with the agreements with japan, korea, and canada. the exclusion has never prevented negotiations from progressing and from wrapping up the agreement successfully. commissioner, i ask you, for what reason have you interrupted this previously consistent line? when it comes to this free-trade agreement? with the usa? what concessions are you prepared to make? if you are going to open up audiovisual services to

negotiation, it is not just window dressing, not just for the sake of it. if you are going to open the negotiations, it means you have something on the table to negotiate. what is its? are you going to deregulate the new services and except the new audiovisual technology? >> thank you. as this important agreement reaches, these blocks will be the investment area in the world. without doubt, this will be a huge engine for growth and employment. towill open up markets investment services. we will also seek to harmonize standards for the trade in and services.

this is a fundamental component. it is worth mentioning the world economy is increasingly changing its central gravity to be specific. it might end up being pushed into the second division. a place at the world economic top table. there is general political will to make quick progress based on clear results. previously, the conditions were not in place to allow firm conditions of both parties and let's not deceive ourselves, it will be a rocky road. during the negotiations, the european union must bear in mind the particular sensitivities that exist, for instance, on agriculture.

we must have guarantees in place that the fundamental values are not endangered, the european union has to be ambitious here. this is a unique opportunity neither usa or the eu can afford to waste. thank you. >> thank you very much. our next speaker is for one minute. >> it is essential to negotiate the determination within an assigned time to reach an agreement of a high profile ambitious one, an agreement that has a chance to improve growth, particularly in europe, an agreement which is therefore transparent and includes an important role for the european parliament. it will defend and show and promote the strengths we have, a model of producing and

consuming. the sure they will confirm views expressed in the committee. we will go forward as of the this agreement in order to prevent a fraudulent practice. many of our companies in the american market -- defend and protect in the course of the important negotiations. >> thank you, president. deliverthat, as we can growth up to 10%, it may not be much, but it -- the economy, denmark, or austria.

it is difficult to conclude negotiations. one thing is opening them. it would make it even more difficult now to get the negotiations in place to include area by area the services, agriculture, and so on and so forth. it will be like swiss cheese. more holes than cheese (but we know the more we take out of the negotiations, the fewer benefits we will have for europe. that seems to be the ambition of the left wing of the parliament. leaving things out will cost

jobs. people will lose employment. we should be as ambitious in our aims, because the americans are saying, this is a win-win. the united states will see we can have a global imprint on the negotiations. in 10 years, it could be too late. india and china will have overtaken us by then. then we will not be able to help those who are now against an ambitious agreement. >> the next speaker. >> gracias. thank you mr. president. this potential agreement is much desired by the two powers concerned. the commission wants an open and fair raiment. -- arrangement. it has asked for a broad mandate. however, we need to tackle difficulties. what, basically, what we are talking about his two different models. in terms of agriculture, the usa has the industrialized that are heavily

subsidized. in europe, we have small-scale farms. as far as gmo's are concerned, this is something the usa is key in on. how can we make the health guarantees are in place? a broad mandate means we still have a lot of responsibility to bear. >> thank you. on the 24th of june, the council will ratify the negotiating mandate. the first round of negotiations can then start. the majority of us here have heard this already today from colleagues. it has become clear the majority of us think this

agreement will be a rate benefit for europe. it is important to ask ourselves how the negotiating mechanism would be in the future. we are not sure. we still need to be a negotiating power. there will be major barriers to overcome major hurdles to overcome when it comes to agricultural production. a couple of days ago, the trade committee and the congress, there has been a debate about this. people focused on certain priorities that should feed into the negotiations. the main point was the sanitary measures of the eu, preventative, concluded the measures in europe were not based on scientific substance. it is important when it comes to geographical origins of products in the european union.

it is important to make sure here. that is whyit is important to look at what is happening in the usa. not just because there is criticism and concern in europe, but take our concerns into account because that is the only way you will get agreement from us. take agriculture, a very sensitive area that needs to be taken into account. thank you. >> the next speaker. >> thank you. it is being taken into account. we like to protect the cultural aspects and we see the exclusion of the cultural products will be outside. we think this line should not be abandoned. found this.ys we have felt these negotiations

should be inside and outside europe. the audiovisual world includes simply set out of the game. lookingly when we are at products. there will be protection with google, amazon, and they are working under all systems. they are not investing in europe. they are contributing to the culture in europe. in this area, i think even if we design adequate cultural products, i think we should maintain the inclusion of the irish president, said in the 14 months. >> thank you very much chair commissioner. we have a lot in common with the u.s.

we have the same values and history. we are cooperating for security and defense. of course, there are areas of trying to outdo each other. but we are also competing with each other within the union. we also compete with the states. we talk about the future trade agreement with the states. futuretalking about the trade agreement with the states. it will facilitate an investment trade exchange between the union and the u.s. it is going to be favorable. americanides, on the side and for the european consumers and companies. i see two fields, which are contention here. we talk about the intellectual property rights, and the

cultural exception. maybe in the future, it should be discussed somewhere else. if we discussed culture, it should not make for agriculture groups. for the other field, when we are talking about the defense industry, it should be concluded here. this is the idea of the colleagues from poland. >> colleagues, the possibility of a transatlantic trade agreement is a good thing. but only if it is mutually beneficial to the u.s. and the ee you economies. that is far from something we can take for granted. serious misgivings about the inclusion in the mandate of security and defense procurement markets. these are the three reasons

there is no president of trade negotiations headed by the european commission, which includes this highly sensitive topic which has serious strategic applications which go well beyond the mandate. there is no justification for this mandate, particularly given the industries on other side of the atlantic. as the mandate is concerned, the defense package tried to create an internal market, as well as an industrial base for this very reason directive. it is still incomplete and really rather random. the european market is insufficiently -- it is unlikely to return to our benefit. finally, there are obstacles in the field of defense.

their political terrorists and very broad indeed. so much so, i thinkit is illusory to mention the trade negotiations will be able to clear the road and benefit the european industry. i understand the inclusion of this is a bad negotiating tactic. the role of the parliament is not to get involved in negotiating tactics. the role -- the microphone cut off. >> excuse me? you have the floor. of commonsish house is in recess. [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2013] [captioning performed by national captioning institute] previous sessions anytime at c-span.org, where you will find video of past prime minister's questions and other british public affairs programs. tim cook, 's ceo,

testifies about overseas profits. after that, a hearing on the state of rural health care in america. then, president obama tours tornado damage in moore, oklahoma. >> after president grover cleveland loses his bid for reelection, his wife tells staff -- >> i want you to take good care of all of the furniture and ottomans in the house, and not to have anything lost or broken, because i want to find everything as it is today when we return in four years." >> and they did find it when they came back. live on c-span, c-span3, c-span radio, and c-span.org. cook, andle ceo, tim two different officials

testified on tuesday. they were responding to a report of a subcommittee this is an hour and a half. , theank you.timothy cook ceo of apple, chief financial officer of apple and apple's head of tax operation. we thank you for being with us this morning. we look forward to your testimony, pursuant to rule six. at this time ask you to stand and raise your right hand. he is where that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you god. >> i do.