http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=50901

Speaker Hastert Stands With Hispanic Leaders to Urge House Passage of CAFTA

7/26/2005 3:21:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: Ron Bonjean or Lisa Miller, 202-225-2800, both of the Office of House Speaker Dennis Hastert

WASHINGTON, July 26 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) today made the following remarks at a press conference on the upcoming CAFTA vote. Also speaking at the event was Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez; Michael L. Barrera, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Bill Thomas (R-Calif.), chairman of the Ways & Means Committee; and representatives from the Hispanic Alliance for Free Trade:

"This week, the House will consider CAFTA. It's important that we pass it. A robust trading relationship with the rest of the world is important to our economic future.

"This agreement will also mean a lot to the millions of Hispanic Americans with families still living in Central America. By creating a mutually beneficial economic relationship, CAFTA strengthens our ties and our friendship. The CAFTA-DR region is the second largest U.S. export market in Latin America. Eighty percent of goods from that region already enter the U.S. duty-free.

"Passing this agreement will allow many American exporters to enjoy the same benefits. And let me tell you, that means a lot to some of the corn and soybean farmers that I represent in Illinois. Last year alone, export shipments from Illinois to the CAFTA-DR region totaled $211 million dollars.

"Let's face it. Opening foreign markets is good for American workers and it's good for American business. And we all know, when businesses do well, jobs are created.

"But there's another component to CAFTA. And it's important to address. Passing this legislation will help solidify democracy and economic reform in Central America. Trade creates jobs and lifts people out of poverty. And when that happens, societies stabilize and grow. And there's nothing like a stable society to fight terrorism and strengthen democracy, freedom and rule of law.

"This is important legislation. This two-lane highway of trade will lead to economic prosperity for the United States."

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