Democrat votes on CAFTA crucial
Star-Telegram.com | 07/17/2005 | Democrat votes on CAFTA crucial: "After years of being kept at the margins, Democrats, especially Texas Democrats, are suddenly more popular in the House, where Republicans need their votes to pass a trade bill.
The Central American Free Trade Agreement -- which would remove tariffs on goods traded between the United States and Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua -- is expected to be brought up for a House vote this month before Congress recesses for the summer.
There are enough GOP opponents of the bill to make it close, so House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, has delayed scheduling a vote until he senses that the pact has the support to pass.
The leading CAFTA proponent among Texas Democrats is Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo. He counts at least three other Democrats who solidly support the bill. The other seven are undecided or oppose it.
Why is Cuellar, a freshman, out front on the bill?
'Jobs, jobs, jobs,' he said. 'When you look at the trade with these countries, their goods are coming in duty-free, but we face tariffs on our exports. Right now, it's a one-way street. With the agreement we'll be able to export more, and more jobs can be created.'"
The Central American Free Trade Agreement -- which would remove tariffs on goods traded between the United States and Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua -- is expected to be brought up for a House vote this month before Congress recesses for the summer.
There are enough GOP opponents of the bill to make it close, so House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, has delayed scheduling a vote until he senses that the pact has the support to pass.
The leading CAFTA proponent among Texas Democrats is Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo. He counts at least three other Democrats who solidly support the bill. The other seven are undecided or oppose it.
Why is Cuellar, a freshman, out front on the bill?
'Jobs, jobs, jobs,' he said. 'When you look at the trade with these countries, their goods are coming in duty-free, but we face tariffs on our exports. Right now, it's a one-way street. With the agreement we'll be able to export more, and more jobs can be created.'"
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