[Cross-posted on Frank's Blog]
I wanted to give you a brief update on the status of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).
Since my last posting, the Senate approved CAFTA by a vote of 54-45 and the agreement passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee. Once Ways and Means files a committee report, it will trigger a 15-legislative day clock forcing the full House to vote on the measure.
I believe strongly that we can still win this fight and force CAFTA back to the drawing board. That is why I have decided to take action by launching an online petition -- to keep the pressure on members to show that the American people oppose CAFTA and demand fair trade policies.
http://www.pallonefornewjersey.com/petition/CAFTA
We are expecting a final House vote on CAFTA by the end of July. House Democrats continue to hold strong in opposing CAFTA and despite the committee's approval, the House Republican leadership still has not been able to peel away enough members to ensure a win on final passage. It is critical that Democrats continue to hold strong on this issue.
Sign the petition today and call on your representative to oppose CAFTA and urge President Bush to renegotiate a more fair trade agreement. There is a risk that the Republicans will try to sneak the CAFTA vote through under the radar. We need to make it clear that the American people are paying attention to the bad trade policies they pass.
http://www.pallonefornewjersey.com/petition/CAFTA
Congressman Frank Pallone