[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7426-S7427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  (At the request of Mr. Daschle, the following statement was ordered 
to be printed in the Record.)

  THE U.S.-AUSTRALIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT AND THE AFRICAN GROWTH AND 
                            OPPORTUNITY ACT

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I am pleased to announce today my 
support for the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The United States 
has a trade surplus with Australia and this agreement will boost our 
exports still further by eliminating Australian tariffs on our 
manufactured goods and on several key agricultural exports. Not only 
does the agreement promote our economic interests and job creation here 
in America, but Australia is also an important ally, and we must do all 
we can to ensure a healthy and vibrant relationship between our two 
nations.
  I am, however, disappointed that the Bush administration did not 
build on the model of the U.S.-Jordan agreement by including strong and 
enforceable labor standards in the core of the agreement. Although 
Australia already has very strong labor rights and an effective 
enforcement regime, the agreement represents a missed opportunity to 
set a higher benchmark for future trade agreements by cementing the 
principle that labor and environmental standards are in the core of all 
new agreements.
  In addition, I am disappointed that the Bush administration did not 
do a better job negotiating an agreement that would protect our 
important beef and dairy industries. I was happy to support an 
amendment in the Finance Committee that helps ensure a level playing 
field for our domestic beef industry.
  I am also pleased to announce today my intention to cosponsor the 
Milk Import Tariff Equity Act, S. 560, a bill to impose tariff-rate 
quotas on certain casein and milk protein concentrates and help ensure 
fair competition for our nation's dairy farmers.
  As we look ahead I want to reiterate that this agreement and others I 
have supported should not be viewed as models for all future bilateral 
agreements under negotiation. In particular, it is important to have 
strong ties with our Central American neighbors. However, the lack of 
strong and enforceable labor and environmental standards are more 
serious in the CAFTA agreement because of the poor history the Central 
American countries have with labor issues. I oppose the current CAFTA 
agreement, and I hope that over time it

[[Page S7427]]

can be improved to strengthen labor rights and our ties to our 
neighbors. The goal is to make sure that trade lifts all people up, 
that it creates growth with equity.
  I also understand that last night Majority Leader Frist and Minority 
Leader Daschle discussed the possibility that the Senate will soon pass 
an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. While some 
Senators have concerns with AGOA III that must still be resolved, and 
we should provide adequate time to address those concerns, I would like 
the record to show that I support this important legislation and would 
like to see it enacted.
  Today, the countries of sub-Saharan Africa face some of the world's 
greatest challenges to export growth, including insufficient domestic 
markets, lack of investment capital, and poor transportation and power 
infrastructures. Perhaps most devastating, the region continues to be 
ravaged by the growing HIV/AIDS pandemic. AGOA provides a door to a 
brighter future for these nations. By enhancing and enabling economic, 
legal and political reform, AGOA sets the stage for economic growth and 
political stability in the region, and helps lift up the lives of the 
people of Africa.
  Through our trading relationships, the United States can help spread 
effective political, economic and legal institutions to regions of the 
world that are vulnerable to political instability, civil war and 
global terrorism. Ensuring sub-Sahara African economic integration is 
one of the surest ways to cultivate new and powerful allies in the war 
on terror.
  AGOA is an integral part of a broader partnership with Africa that 
must also include progress on debt relief and stepped-up efforts to 
fight the scourage of HIV/AIDS. Given the importance of AGOA to the 
future we share with Africa, I hope the remaining concerns of my 
colleagues can be addressed to ensure the passage of AGOA III. Passing 
this critical extension of AGOA will send a powerful signal to Africa 
and the world that the United States is committed to extending the 
benefits of the global economy to all those willing to make the 
necessary economic, legal and political reforms.

                          ____________________