Trade Update and Take Action
Since the North American Free Trade Agreement was implemented in 1994, the U.S. has sought to expand NAFTA-style trade agreements around the world, spreading more poverty and pollution to more communities. In Latin America, CAFTA (the Central American Free Trade Agreement, including the Dominican Republic) was approved by the U.S. Congress in 2005. The U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement was approved by the U.S. Congress in 2007. BEJC worked to oppose those trade agreements, and secured a key NO vote on CAFTA from a San Diego undecided member of Congress.
NAFTA-style trade agreements with Colombia, Panamá and South Korea have been negotiated and could be sent to the U.S. Congress for a vote at any time. Presidential “Fast Track” authority to negotiate trade agreements without giving Congress more than a yes/no vote can also be renewed at any time.
Contact your members of Congress NOW. It’s easy. Here’s how.
Call 1-202-224-3121 and ask the Capitol Switchboard operator to connect you to your Representative in Congress (or visit www.congress.org to find out who represents you in Congress).
Call 1-202-224-3121 again and ask for one of your two senators.
Then call your other senator.
Tell each of them that you are calling to urge the Member of Congress to
• VOTE NO on the NAFTA-style free trade agreements with Colombia, Panamá and South Korea
• VOTE NO on Fast Track renewal
• Demand that trade agreements put people before profits, defend democracy, include enforceable mechanisms to protect labor rights, public health and the environment, and be negotiated and function with transparency.
 |
 |