Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) today applauded Costa Rican voters for supporting the adoption of the United States-Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), as initial results indicate.

The referendum followed weeks of campaigning by union leaders, foreign governments, and activist organizations that Costa Ricans say "no" to DR-CAFTA, fueled by anti-American and anti-globalization sentiment. The vote was close, and a recount is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.  

"Costa Ricans saw through the cloud of political rhetoric and decided for themselves that DR-CAFTA would help attract investment, boost their economy, and support job growth in their country," said Congressman Brady.

"Trade is about freedom, and Costa Ricans today declared their own freedom to buy and sell goods and affirmed a commitment to free markets and democratic institutions.    This vote today is an important rejection of the destructive influence Castro and Chavez are having across Latin America."

Brady helped lead the effort in the U.S. Congress for successful passage of DR-CAFTA. "After seeing Costa Rica's neighbors in Central America already benefiting from the agreement, I am pleased to see the final piece of DR-CAFTA come together," said Brady. "I look forward to working with Costa Rica's leaders on a successful implementation."

Congressman Kevin Brady is a six-term Member of Congress who sits on the Joint Economic Committee, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Trade Sub-committee, which has jurisdiction over U.S. trade policy.   Mr. Brady led a three-year fight in Congress to successful passage of the United States-Central American Free Trade Agreement.