[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
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. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today In opposition to 
H.R. 3045, and In opposition to the unfair trade policies and 
burdensome costs to Americans that this agreement represents.
  The Central American Free Trade Agreement, CAFTA, which binds 
together the trade policy and economic future of the U.S., Costa Rica, 
the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, 
was negotiated over an 18-month period. As globalization takes hold in 
the world and our Nation becomes further integrated economically with 
others, it is vital that we only enter into a trade agreement that will 
protect U.S. workers, consumers, and businesses, and that economic 
development, the proliferation of democracy, environmental protection 
and, most importantly, the rule of law is honored in the agreement.
  Unfortunately, CAFTA does not meet these standards, and instead, 
includes provisions that will cause considerable distress and harm to 
U.S. workers and businesses. It lacks a sincere commitment to 
protecting American jobs. It lacks strong environmental protection 
provisions. It lacks strong public health provisions. It lacks worker 
protection provisions. It lacks consumer protection. One of the most 
egregious portions of CAFTA would allow drug patents to be extended 
beyond normal limits, thus denying CAFTA nations the opportunity to 
introduce and offer generic drugs to its citizens, the majority of whom 
are poor and cannot afford the skyrocketing costs of prescription 
drugs. Perhaps most importantly, CAFTA lacks that comprehensive policy 
that should be an overarching feature of any multinational trade 
agreement--the ability to proactively engage and integrate the domestic 
business and labor policies of each nation to ensure that each realizes 
new, improved standards of living, economic standing, and commitments 
to democracy.
  I will vote against CAFTA because I do not believe it will achieve 
these goals. And I am not alone. In my state of New Mexico, numerous 
labor and business organizations have voiced opposition to this trade 
agreement. Since the President signed CAFTA nearly 1 year ago, my 
constituents have continuously expressed to me their concerns of what 
CAFTA will mean for them and their families. And they continue, in 
greater and greater volume, to voice those concerns to me as we have 
begun debate on H.R. 3045 here in the House.
  U.S. trade policy must be fair trade policy, and CAFTA is not. I 
believe we have squandered an opportunity to enact positive trade 
policy, and I believe enacting CAFTA will cost our American businesses 
and families. I oppose this legislation and urge my colleagues to do so 
as well.

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