Thread: Louisiana's senators both voting against CAFTA

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Louisiana's senators both voting against CAFTA

The Associated Press

June 30, 2005


Louisiana's U.S. senators appeared to be in the minority opposing a free trade agreement with six Latin American nations as the most controversial trade deal in a decade headed to a vote Thursday.

"CAFTA is a raw deal for the Louisiana sugarcane industry," U.S. Sen. David Vitter, a Republican from Metairie, told his colleagues.

Sen. Mary Landrieu, a Democrat from New Orleans, also planned to vote against the Central American Free Trade Agreement, spokesman Adam Sharp said.

But, despite their opposition, Senate approval was expected.

"We have always thought the Senate would be a very close vote, and are very pleased the Louisiana senators are standing firmly with Louisiana agriculture and, more specifically, with Louisiana sugar in opposition to CAFTA," said Jim Simon, general manager of the American Sugar Cane League, which represents Louisiana's sugar industry.

Vitter said the United States imports 15 percent of the sugar it uses each year, making it the world's fourth-largest net sugar importer. The Central American Free Trade Agreement would allow another 122,000 tons into the country, with annual increases, he said.

"These increases in imports threaten to flood the U.S. market and devastate the Louisiana sugarcane industry as domestic sugar is displaced by highly-subsidized foreign imports," Vitter said.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who also opposes CAFTA, has said Louisiana sells $750 million worth of sugar each year, and industry-related revenues total $2 billion.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau estimates that CAFTA would cut agricultural income by $8.5 million, Vitter said.

Opposition isn't universal in Louisiana. A study out of LSU for the Port of New Orleans, Greater New Orleans, Inc., the World Trade Center of New Orleans and the City of New Orleans estimated last year that it would add 1,400 to 2,800 jobs in Louisiana.

It could increase sales anywhere from $169.3 million to $338.6 million, and household earnings by $38.6 million to $77.2 million, the report said.

"We're, needless to say, very ecstatic at the Port of New orleans. This only presents good news for us," said Gary LaBranche, the port's chief economic officer.

Simon said, "While the Senate vote may not be favorable, we are really counting on the House and feel very strong with regards to opposition in the House."

NO TO CAFTA!!!!!!