Kaptur Statement on CAFTA

KAPTUR STATEMENT ON CAFTA
Jul 28, 2005

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) made the following statement on last night's passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement, CAFTA:

"Again the leaders of this Congress have rammed through a lopsided trade deal, by the thinnest margin of 2 votes, with a final tally after midnight of 217-215. DR-CAFTA will be another job-killing trade agreement the American people don't want. The clock was held open for more than an hour as arm twisting and deal making swept across the floor of Congress.

"The efforts of those who fought against this deal were noble. They upheld the enduring ideals of liberty for all people, and the hope of rising living standards with decent working and environmental conditions.

"Our resolve contributed to strengthening the broad public support that grows each year for changing these flawed agreements. The American people know Congress is selling out their interests and middle class living standards. It is just some in this Congress who still choose to dance to different drummers.

"The cause of achieving free trade among free people is long, difficult, and worthy, indeed the most compelling economic struggle of our time. Advocates for change are gaining ground. Compared to the vote a decade ago on NAFTA, which carried by a margin of only thirty-four votes, this vote was even more razor thin. It barely crawled across the finish line. Those that sought to quash our voices failed and the worthiness of our cause forced them to work hard for every vote they eked out. The toe to toe nature of this battle, as NAFTA before it, shows the moral ground on which we stand is firm.

"The American people stand with us as we struggle forward to place the highest principles of a free people in these trade accords. Onward to the future with our cause that will not rest until justice to all people, not just the global economic giants, finally prevails."

http://www.kaptur.house.gov/PressRelease.aspx?NewsID=1427