FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2005
Berry Issues Statement on CAFTA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). The Congressman opposed the measure because it would hurt American farmers and workers.
"The way you get a bad bill is to vote for a bad bill and this Congress appears determined to do just that. As someone who supports policies that expand markets for Arkansas' farmers and businesses, I was ready to negotiate a fair trade agreement with Central America. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration decided to cut deals instead of working with every member of Congress toward an agreement that truly strengthens our economy."
"The benefits of this CAFTA agreement are minimal and hardly worth the risk to American workers. The agreement gives Central America an advantage by making it harder for American businesses to compete against countries with lower wages and working conditions. Even worse, CAFTA is now in the hands of a President who refuses to enforce existing trade agreements as Congress intended. Instead of maintaining fair and open markets, our leadership has a long history of creating trade barriers that put our workers at a disadvantage in the global market."
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ar01_berry/CAFTA.html