Press Room
On The Issues
Photo Gallery
Committees
Just For Kids!
Floor Statements

Contact Stephanie
Flag Requests
Visit DC
Casework
Internships

Sponsored 109th
Co-Sponsored 109th
Sponsored 108th
Co-Sponsored 108th

About Stephanie
About South Dakota
House of Representatives
Thomas
Blue Dog Coalition
Veterans History Project

News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH TO OPPOSE CAFTA

July 27, 2005, Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth released the following statement outlining her opposition to the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), which is due to be considered on the House Floor late tonight.

Herseth said, "I oppose CAFTA because it does not adequately benefit South Dakota and American producers and workers. I believe our trade policy should be more squarely focused on ensuring and maintaining fair and open markets for the exceptional products produced by South Dakota farmers, ranchers and manufacturers."

Herseth noted that the countries included in the deal have limited resources that can be used for the purchase of high-value South Dakota agricultural products like beef. Moreover, the United States already supplies 94 percent of all grains imports into CAFTA countries so there is little room for growth in that sector.

In 2003, the U.S. agricultural trade deficit with CAFTA countries was more than $900 million. Herseth added, “We’ve already got a trade deficit with CAFTA countries, and this deal will not improve upon that deficit - it will make it worse.”

Additionally, Herseth cited serious concerns about labor practices and environmental standards in CAFTA countries. Environmental compliance is a major element in U.S. agriculture production and to forfeit these standards in trade deals makes no sense to U.S. agricultural interests, she noted.

# # #