[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17528]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          OPPOSITION TO CAFTA

  (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to address my strong 
opposition to the Central American Free Trade Agreement. I oppose CAFTA 
not because I oppose trade, but because I oppose unfair trade 
agreements that fail to stand up for our national economic interests 
and protect American jobs.

                              {time}  1015

  There are a number of problems with this agreement that make it 
impossible for me and many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle 
to support it. The blatant deficiencies regarding environmental 
standards, labor standards, and our agriculture interests are the most 
glaring.
  Now, this Congress can consider the CAFTA proposal only on an up-or-
down vote with no amendments allowed. Entering into an agreement that 
does not require the Central American countries to strengthen their 
environmental laws does a disservice to the workers and citizens of all 
countries involved.
  Our choice is clear, Mr. Speaker. I urge each of my colleagues to 
reject this unfair trade agreement and send our representatives back to 
renegotiate a better deal for the American people.

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