[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-CENTRAL AMERICA-UNITED STATES FREE TRADE AGREEMENT 
                           IMPLEMENTATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2005

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, the agreement we have before us is critical 
to America's economic future. You see, America's economic stability is 
directly linked to our ability to maintain a robust trading 
relationship with the rest of the world.
  Right now, the CAFTA region is the second largest U.S. export market 
in Latin America. Eighty percent of goods from that region already 
enter the U.S. duty-free.
  But currently, U.S. products don't enjoy the same benefits. American 
exporters of everything from cars, vegetables, fruits, grain and wood 
products all face average tariffs of 10 to 30 percent.
  In my home state of Illinois, some farmers are paying tariffs on farm 
goods that are as high as 16 percent. These high tariffs prevent 
farmers from competing in the growing markets of Central America and 
the Dominican Republic.
  Last year, export shipments from Illinois to the CAFTA region totaled 
$211 million dollars. That's the 16th largest in the U.S.
  Passing CAFTA will allow exporters in Illinois and the rest of the 
country to enjoy the same benefits that our Central American partners 
already have. And that means more U.S. products can enter and be sold 
in Central America.
  This agreement is a win-win situation for American farmers, 
businesses and consumers. No matter how you look at it, business 
activity will increase. And we all know, when businesses do well, jobs 
are created. In fact, it is estimated that one out of every five 
factory jobs in the U.S. depends on trade.
  There is another component to CAFTA that is also important to 
address.
  This agreement will help solidify democracy and economic reform in 
Central America. Here is what we know. Trade creates jobs and lifts 
people out of poverty. And when that happens, societies stabilize and 
grow. And there is nothing like a stable society to fight terrorism and 
strengthen democracy, freedom and rule of law.
  Finally, Hispanics are now the largest minority group in the United 
States. For the millions of Hispanic Americans with families still 
living in Central America, this agreement creates a mutually beneficial 
economic relationship that strengthens our ties and our friendship.
  Put simply, this trade agreement is about fairness. Fairness for 
American workers and fairness for American exporters. Our businesses 
and workers deserve a competitive trading environment on a level 
playing field.
  This is important legislation. It will expand economic opportunity in 
the United States, and it will promote freedom and democracy in Central 
America. I urge the House to do the right thing and pass this 
legislation.

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