The U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 5684)

THE U.S.-OMAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (H.R. 5684) -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 29, 2006)

SPEECH OF HON. BETTY McCOLLUM OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2006

* Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, which perpetuates the flawed CAFTA model by sacrificing worker rights and environmental standards for the sake of greater profits for the elite.

* American policies should promote global trade that is both fair and free. Trade agreements that meet this standard improve the quality of life for American families by expanding export markets for our products while also providing economic opportunity, human dignity and political stability for workers around the world.

* Unfortunately, the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement is another step towards a lowest-common-denominator global economy where sinking labor and environmental standards undermine American competitiveness and global security. The intellectual property provisions of the agreement will hinder the spread of lower priced generic drugs, which could improve public health and stabilize populations in Oman. The agreement's only enforceable labor protection is a requirement that Oman enforce its own labor laws, even though the country's laws fail to comply with basic international labor standards in ten specific areas. Rather than requiring improvements in Oman's labor law, H.R. 5684, accepts unenforceable promises from Oman's government. Even the most basic labor safeguards in this agreement have been crippled: the Bush Administration subverted the will of Congress and stripped out a provision inserted by the Senate Finance Committee stipulating that goods made in Oman with forced labor may not benefit from the trade agreement.

* Global trade is the keystone of America's economic success. Expanding trade promotes economic growth in our country and the quest for higher living standards and opportunity abroad. And, as with foreign policy, America's trade policy is an expression of our values and a tool to advance our global vision. Unfortunately, this Oman Free Trade Agreement contradicts America's much-touted commitment to foster global democracy and freedom. If America is to find success in our efforts to spread democracy, serious commitments to the conditions that support democracy: economic stability, environmental sustainability and human dignity. To secure economic prosperity at home and human rights around the world, we in Congress do better than H.R. 5684.

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