Hinojosa Votes for CAFTA

Hinojosa Votes for CAFTA
July 27, 2005 -

Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, after much deliberation, voted in favor of the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), opening the door for increased export opportunities, a level playing field for Texas businesses, farms, and ranches, and economic and national security in the western hemisphere. The legislation passed 217 to 215.

"This was a difficult vote, however, at the end of the day, I realized that a vote for DR-CAFTA was a vote for the betterment of the people of the 15th Congressional District," said Hinojosa. "After meeting with numerous constituent groups, economists, labor, and trade specialists from both sides of the issue, I came to realize that voting for this trade agreement would mean greater job opportunities and increased economic prosperity.

"However, this agreement is not perfect. While the economic benefits are clear, it does have several social justice, international labor, and sovereignty concerns. I will work with my colleagues to implement the carefully negotiated agreements within this trade bill in a way that will bring relief to these issues. Additionally, I was able to secure an agreement with the Secretary of Agriculture that will eliminate the risk to the South Texas Sugar Industry; and I have written commitment from the Secretary to shield the Sugar Industry from the effects of NAFTA and CAFTA.

"Despite these imperfections, I believe that CAFTA, like NAFTA will benefit the people of this district. Before NAFTA passed, the unemployment rate in the 15th Congressional District was an alarming 20 percent and since its passage, our unemployment has been cut in half. In fact, Texas is the largest exporting state to Canada and Mexico, shipping over $52 billion worth of goods to those countries in 2003 alone. Since this trade agreement our counties have been revitalized with opportunity. Our citizens have new avenues for economic stability. In the end, CAFTA is a necessary step toward securing our community's progress and security.

"Expanding trade opportunities between the United States and her neighbors is an opportunity to recognize the strides these countries have made in establishing democracies and improving the quality of life for their citizens. We cannot abandon our goal of expanding trade and committing to a freer and fairer market - this would not be in the national security interest of our country. Congress needs to continue crafting trade policies that allow our nation to compete aggressively and positively on an international level."

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"This trade agreement makes sense; it makes sense for the people of the 15th Congressional District and for the United States and its relationship with Central America and the Dominican Republic," continued Hinojosa. "

"Within the district, there are more than 285 manufacturing firms employing more than 14,000 workers in a variety of industries. This trade agreement will increase opportunities for manufacturers to conduct business in Central America and will increase economic development and job growth.

"I did not take this vote, nor any vote, lightly and it was after thoughtful and lengthy consideration that I came to this vote. I do believe that in the end, it will greatly benefit the 15th Congressional District, and will help continue the tremendous growth and success we've experienced over the past 10 years."

http://hinojosa.house.gov/news/pressrelease.cfm?id=679