[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 88 (Tuesday, June 28, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H5260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 CAFTA

  (Mr. SHAW asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SHAW. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the United 
States-Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement, which 
will benefit American farmers, manufacturers, and businesses both small 
and large. Last year alone, the Central American countries and the 
Dominican Republic imported nearly $15 billion worth of United States 
agriculture and manufactured goods.
  The DR-CAFTA countries combined represent our 13th largest export 
partner. That is larger than Brazil. As these numbers show, there 
already exists a strong relationship between the United States and 
Central America, and this relationship is destined to grow 
substantially.
  With the agreement in place, more than 80 percent of the United 
States industrial and consumer products will become duty free 
immediately. The agreement also levels the playing field for United 
States manufacturers who are at a disadvantage to other countries that 
already have free trade agreements with the DR-CAFTA countries. This 
translates into increased exports and earnings for American farmers and 
manufacturers and more jobs.
  I urge my colleagues to support this very important piece of 
legislation.

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