---

---

Trade

Trade has been critical to our economy in times of growth. But it is even more important during difficult economic times. Over the past year, as our economy has struggled, exports have represented the only positive source of growth. Times are tough, but they would be even tougher with international trade.

As critical as trade is for our economy, this is an issue that goes beyond mere dollars and cents. America’s leadership in supporting economic liberty reinforces our efforts to promote political liberty as well. Strengthening the rule of law not only creates opportunity for entrepreneurs, it lays the foundation for democracy. And by encouraging the free flow of goods and services, trade also encourages the free flow of information and ideas, furthering the development of free and open societies.

As one of the House's leading advocates of international free trade, Congressman Dreier has made a top priority of expanding opportunities for American businesses and workers. Increasing access to foreign markets for American goods and services is a primary cause of the unprecedented economic growth that the U.S. economy has seen over the past two decades. As our economy has taken a very hard hit in the last year, trade has been even more critical. Exports have represented the only source of growth as our economy has slowed, and will play a key role in our recovery.

In July 2005, Dreier was instrumental in the effort to pass the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement. DR-CAFTA creates a free trade zone between the United States, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Prior to passage of the FTA, most goods from the region entered the U.S. duty-free, while U.S. exports to the DR-CAFTA countries faced high tariffs, stifling job creation and economic growth in the U.S. Passage of the agreement leveled the playing field for American producers, service providers and workers. It was also an important step toward solidifying Central America’s burgeoning democracies and promoting U.S. national security, as greater ties to the United States will help the region stand up to Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Cuba’s Fidel Castro, who seek greater influence in the region.

Dreier also successfully fought for trade agreements with other key allies across the globe, such as Chile, Peru, Singapore, Oman and Bahrain. Enhanced trade with these countries has dramatically increased our exports. Currently, there are pending agreements with three countries – Panama, Colombia and South Korea – that have been signed, but not enacted by Congress. Dreier will continue to fight for passage of these critical agreements, in order to expand American export opportunities and to help restore our economy.

Continuing to decrease international barriers to trade will:

• Open markets for American goods and services, which in turn leads to a larger number of high-skill, higher-paying jobs available for American workers;
• Increase competition, which pushes American firms to operate more efficiently and effectively;
• Allow a greater flow of information and technology between partners, which lets us promote American values abroad and, in turn, learn from other countries; and,
• Result in lower prices for American consumers, restraining inflation and raising the living standards of working families.

Finally, because international trade raises living standards, decreases poverty, acts as a powerful incentive for countries to comply with the rule of law, and acts as a democratizing force, Congressman Dreier will continue to fight for free international trade that benefits American workers and provides access to American principles, values, and goods to foreign populations.

Home  |  About David Dreier  |  26th District  |  On the Issues  |  Constituent Services  |  News Releases  |  Privacy Policy