U.S. Democrat says CAFTA trade pact in trouble

[arcos]

U.S. Democrat says CAFTA trade pact in trouble

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A free-trade pact with five Central American countries is in trouble in Congress because of the Bush administration's failure to address Democratic party concerns on labor, a senior lawmaker said Tuesday.

"Anyone who believes the president has enough votes," to approve the agreement is wrong, Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, the top Democrat on the influential House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, told business leaders.

<snip>

The proposed pact would eliminate tariffs on U.S. exports to the five countries -- Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador -- while requiring them to implement a long list of other trade reforms, such as strengthening copyright and patent protections.

In return, the Central American countries would receive permanent duty-free access to the U.S. market for virtually all of their goods, with the notable exception of sugar -- a politically sensitive U.S. crop.

<snip>

http://www.forbes.com/work/newswire/2004/05/04/rtr1358797.html

[Tina H]

1. this is the best political news I have heard in a long time . . .

go Democrats!!!!! :D

[DUreader]

2. Good news maybe, but ftaa is now being pushed piece meal

expect the same with cafta

[Tina H]

3. Paging Candidate Kerry!

Help us please.

[arcos]

4. Kerry is considering renegotiating CAFTA...

The leader of Acción Ciudadana (Citizen Action Party), the third biggest party in Costa Rica asked Kerry to renegotiate the trade agreement if he wins the election.

Apparently, he said he is willing to do it and thinks it is necessary... what * negotiated harms workers everywhere.

[Tina H]

5. Thank you for the info . . .

I hope this is accurate. If true, it raises my esteem for Kerry.

[WLKjr]

6. Maybe this was one of the Leaders he was talking about

?any thoughts?

[arcos]

7. check it out here:

http://216.239.51.104/search?q=cache:gfyRhIV6Gy8J:https://www.ticotimes.net/business.htm+kerry+otton+solis&hl=en

it doesn't say anything about Kerry's answer, but a recent article says he is willing to.