http://www.newsobserver.com/news/ncwire ... 4787c.html


Published: Jul 20, 2005
Modified: Jul 20, 2005 12:30 AM

McHenry confirms pledge to oppose CAFTA

The Associated Press

GASTONIA, N.C. -- U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry has confirmed his campaign promise to vote against the Central America Free Trade Agreement.

"I made a commitment early in the campaign that I would cast a no vote on this agreement," the freshman congressman said Tuesday. "The agreement has not changed and therefore I will vote as I said."

McHenry, a Republican, did not attend when President Bush visited Gaston College last week to promote CAFTA.

Possible political fallout was not enough to change McHenry's mind.

"Pressure is part of politics and I am not immune from feeling pressure from groups inside the party and outside," he said, "but I feel keeping my word is more important than party or politics."

CAFTA was signed in Washington last year by representatives from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The Senate passed it 54-45 at the end of June. Now it's up to the House of Representatives to decide whether it makes it to Bush's desk.

A vote is expected before summer recess begins at the end of next week. Congress can vote but cannot amend the agreement because of the "fast track" authority lawmakers granted to the president in 2002.

Meanwhile, Rep. Sue Myrick continues to support CAFTA.

"If I take heat for it, that's the way it is," she said Tuesday. "My people are supporting it - it's very district specific. I'm hoping some other North Carolina representatives will come around - a couple of them don't have a good reason not to vote for it."

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Information from: The Gaston Gazette, http://www.gastongazette.com