Resolution
 

Opposing CAFTA: Central American Free Trade Agreement
 

WHEREAS, CAFTA is a trade and investment agreement negotiated between the United Stales and six Central American and Caribbean countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic; and

WHEREAS, Congress must ratify CAFTA in an "up or down" vote because under current law, also known as "fast track" authority, no amendments can be considered as part of international trade agreements; and

WHEREAS, poor farmers in Central America will not be able to compete with U.S. Agribusiness and therefore cause major displacement of employment in the fields; and

WHEREAS, protection of worker rights and environmental protections are very weak because of a lack of consultation of key labor sections in these countries; and

WHEREAS, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus members, including Congresswoman Hilda Soliz are opposing CAFTA because of its weak labor and environmental standards which will lead to increase poverty and environmental harm;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that California LULAC at its 58Lh Annual Convention urges National LULAC and Congress to oppose passage of CAFTA.

SUBMITTED BY DISTRICT # 14

Adopted this 2nd day of July 2005.

Hector M. Flores
LULAC National President