McDermott to visit UW, discuss trade relations

U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott,D-7th District, will be hosting a forum tonight to explore the costs and benefits of the controversial Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

The policy has been under fire from labor organizations that claim only one country stands to benefit from the agreement -- the United States.

Some student organizations also echo those sentiments.

"We, as protestors, demand that CAFTA be stopped," said junior Rachel Tabor, an officer of Students for Fair Trade. "Until trade can be negotiated that will not endanger the lives and well-being of millions of Central Americans in the name of profits."

Modeled after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), CAFTA promotes trade liberalization between the United States and Central America.

Under the agreement, generic medications will be outlawed, which means they will have to buy the same medications from U.S. pharmaceutical companies at a much higher price.

Opponents also claim the agricultural sector will suffer if the trade agreement passes.

Central-American farmers are concerned that they will be unable to compete in the face of an influx of highly subsidized U.S. exports under CAFTA, according to the Washington Office on Latin America

"NAFTA was a failure for American and Mexican workers, their families, their communities, and our environment," Steve Williamson, executive secretary-treasurer of the King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO said. "CAFTA is probably worse."

But advocates of the proposal say that the possible benefits of CAFTA include the expansion of democracy, cheaper products and more investment in Central America.

U.S. congressional committees will begin to consider ratification of CAFTA next week, which is why McDermott is intent on having a public forum on the issue.

McDermott is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and a member of the International Trade Subcommittee. McDermott has a key role in all international policy issues and agreements.

"International trade is vital to the economic well-being of Washington," McDermott said. "It would be fair to say that people and companies around the state have a vested interest in CAFTA. I want to know what people think about this proposed agreement."

Student organizations expected to be present at the forum are Students for Fair Trade, Student Labor Action Project and the United Nations Association Student Alliance.

A rally will be held outside of Sieg Hall at 6:30 p.m. CAFTA. The forum will follow in Sieg 134 at 7:30 p.m.