[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19374]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY OF TEXAS FOR THE 
                     SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF DR-CAFTA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous 
efforts by my friend and Ways and Means colleague, the gentleman from 
Texas, Mr. Kevin Brady for the successful passage of the Dominican 
Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).
  Since his election to the United States House of Representatives, 
Representative Brady has envisioned the day when the United States 
would successfully negotiate a free trade agreement with our Central 
American neighbors. After a number of years and some tense months, that 
vision has come a reality.
  American farmers, manufactures, businesses and consumers will now 
reap the benefits of duty-free access to the growing market of DR-
CAFTA. For 20 years, these countries have benefitted from duty-free 
imports into the United States under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. 
Today, thanks to the leadership of Representative Brady, the United 
States will receive this same benefit.
  Representative Brady has become a fervent advocate of free trade as a 
member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. Kevin has made 
strengthening trade between the United States and our global trading 
partners one of his top legislative priorities. As the world continues 
moving towards globalization, it is imperative that we support trade 
policy which protects American interests. I am proud to join my friend 
in this effort.
  Mr. Speaker, a number of individuals played an important role in the 
passage of DR-CAFTA. However, my friend, Representative Kevin Brady 
went above and beyond to secure this historic agreement.

                          ____________________