Ask Congress for an Up or Down Vote on CAFTA

One year ago, on May 28th, 2004, President Bush signed the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) without congressional approval. A year has passed, and Congress still hasn’t taken a vote. The House and Senate typically approve or reject trade agreements within 60 days of the President’s signature, but the Bush Administration has stalled for a year because he simply doesn’t have enough support.

It’s time for action. Contact your member of Congress toll free at 866-340-9279, and ask your Representative to publicly oppose CAFTA in an up or down vote.

The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is the largest trade agreement before this country in over a decade. Unless we stop the flawed approach of NAFTA and CAFTA, we will outsource more Wisconsin jobs, offshore more Wisconsin business, jeopardize family farmers, harm women workers, and destroy our environment.

CAFTA is currently 30 to 35 votes short of passage in the House of Representatives, with four Wisconsin delegation members refusing to stand up to President Bush and publicly oppose it.

Congressmen Ryan, Petri, Sensenbrenner and Greene have refused to publicly oppose this unfair trade agreement. Call and tell them to stop outsourcing our jobs and to stand up against CAFTA

Contact Information:

Call the Capitol Switch Board toll free at 866-340-9279, give them your zip code or ask for a specific office, and they will connect you.

Script:

Hello, my name is _______ and I live in the district. I'm calling to ask Representative _______ to vote against the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). These unfair trade agreements will outsource more Wisconsin jobs, offshore more Wisconsin business, jeopardize family farmers and harm our environment. Can I ask you: Will the Representative publicly come out and oppose CAFTA before the vote?

My address is __________ and I’m hoping you can send me a response. Thank you.

When You Call:
Ask to speak to the Trade LA, chief of staff or legislative director.
Tell them you are a constituent and want to know your Representative’s position on CAFTA. Give your address, and ask for a response.
If the Rep is opposed to the agreement and will vote against it, thank him/her.
If the Rep is undecided, say that you oppose CAFTA based on the talking points below (you can offer to email these talking points) and urge a NO vote.
If the Rep is for CAFTA, urge reconsideration. Inform the office that you intend to spread the word that he is voting for the policy of job outsourcing.
Talking Points:
After 10 years of NAFTA, we know firsthand the devastating effects of these agreements. Expanding it in CAFTA threatens workers, farmers, women, the environment, and democratic institutions in the U.S. and Central America.
CAFTA does NOT include adequate enforcement for violations of internationally recognized labor and environmental standards.
CAFTA has a provision -- like NAFTA -- that would allow foreign corporations to sue governments that pass strong labor, public health or environmental laws.
It includes rules that promote privatization and deregulation of services including education, health care, construction, transportation and water supply. Such policies have proved particularly devastating for families living in poverty.
If passed, CAFTA will threaten the livelihoods of millions of small farmers in Central America, while increasing domination by agricultural monopolies and hurting U.S. family farmers.
CAFTA will pave the way for more trade agreements that extend this flawed model to the whole Western Hemisphere.