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Posted on: Wednesday, 27 July 2005, 12:00 CDT


South Carolina Congressman Changes Mind, Pushes for CAFTA

Jul. 26--U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis, R-S.C., announced Monday that he will support the Central America Free Trade Agreement, calling it a "reasonable risk."

Inglis said he sees no alternative for the United States and the Western Hemisphere to compete with China.

"The question is, 'What do you get at the end of the day?' We get to preserve jobs," Inglis told a crowd at Mexico Lindo East. "I don't think what we're giving up is that significant."

The position met with mixed reaction at the "Let's Talk" luncheon the congressman holds monthly in Spartanburg. But Inglis painstakingly attempted to drive his point that CAFTA, as it is called, "is all about China."

The Bush administration has put considerable force behind gaining support for CAFTA. The president made a personal plea earlier this month in Dallas, N.C., and tied the agreement to protecting democracy.

Critics, however, argue that CAFTA will make it easier for businesses here to move south, where land and labor are cheaper.

The House is expected to vote on CAFTA soon. And it's expected to be close.

The trade deal would reduce or eliminate barriers with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic -- small players in the grand scheme of U.S imports and exports.

Fabric made here could be sent to those countries for assembly and returned for sale tariff-free.

"There are no words to describe the disappointment" with Inglis' position, said Richard Dillard, a Milliken & Co. spokesman, shaking his head.

"I feel betrayed. And our several thousand employees in the Upstate feel betrayed. Because he committed to vote against this if nothing changed. And nothing has."