Washington, D.C. - As a member of both the Ways and Means Committee and Trade Subcommittee, U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) has spearheaded Congressional support over the last three years for approval and implementation of the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), which is a trade partnership among the United States, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  While the agreement is now in effect for most partners, its full potential has yet to be realized as the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica have remained behind. 

 

Today, Mr. Brady issued the following statement urging swift approval of DR-CAFTA in the Dominican Republic after both countries concluded remaining talks, and President Bush and Dominican Republic President Fernandez agreed to speed up their efforts to ensure the agreement is implemented quickly.

 

"I am pleased that the United States and Dominican Republic have resolved outstanding issues in DR-CAFTA, and applaud Presidents Bush and Fernandez on their pledge to implement the agreement as soon as possible. 

 

"I also commend U.S. and Dominican Republic officials for completing textile negotiations on material used to make pants' pockets, an issue that represented another barrier to progress.

 

"The Dominican Republic's legislature must now approve DR-CAFTA before its benefits can begin. I strongly urge leaders in the Dominican Republic, along with Costa Rica, to fight for approval of this important trade agreement - just as I have in the U.S. Congress.

 

"DR-CAFTA holds enormous potential to spur economic growth, create good-paying jobs, and promote security and stability throughout our hemisphere.  

 

"By eliminating trade barriers, this agreement gives U.S. and Texas farmers, manufacturers, and service providers access to millions of new customers in the region.  And strong protections for the rule of law, investments, intellectual property, and worker rights will help attract investment in our partner countries.  Business growth means job growth, and helps us and our partners better compete against China.

 

"And by creating economic hope in the region, the agreement will strengthen the fragile democracies of our Central American neighbors, who, after decades of civil strife and financial crisis, are working to secure a better future for their people.  Trade makes this possible."

 

"Last year, the United States Congress made the right choice and approved DR-CAFTA. I strongly urge our friends in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica do to the same."