CAFTA PASSES U.S. CONGRESS: STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE CONTINUES AND FOLLOW-UP VITAL
 See how your congressperson voted
CAFTA Update
Just after midnight on July 28 th, CAFTA passed by a vote of 217-215. Although the vote was lost, the debate was won: it is striking that CAFTA was passed by a mere two votes, in spite of intense pressure from the White House. Most news services are covering the vote not as a victory for pro-free trade advocates, but instead as a harbinger of even closer votes when Congress turns its attention to future trade agreements, such as a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). See how your representative voted here.
Today we reflect on the words of Archbishop Oscar Romero: "Our world in El Salvador is not an abstraction. The poor are the ones who tell us what the world is," knowing that the organized poor of Central America will continue to guide our work and advance the cause of justice.
We at SHARE are grateful for the efforts of thousands of people across the country who learned about trade and educated members of their community and members of Congress on CAFTA.
SHARE pledges our continued solidarity to the people of El Salvador , believing that now, more than ever, collaboration will be critical in promoting sustainable development and fostering peace and justice. We have walked with the poor majority of El Salvador as they opposed CAFTA, and we will continue to accompany them in future struggles. Please continue to join us.
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Call to Follow-up Action
Call or fax a letter to your congresspersons to express your appreciation or disappointment with his/her vote on CAFTA. (See how your congressperson voted.) Given the pressure applied by the White House, it is particularly important to thank Republican congresspersons who voted against CAFTA for their courage. Democrats who voted for the agreement should hear the disappointment of their constituents.
Hearing from constituents may provide the support necessary for congresspersons to reflect on the CAFTA model as they weigh future trade agreements, such as the Andean Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA), and outcomes from the Doha Round. Congresspersons need to hear from constituents who are advocates of fair trade so that they consider alternatives to the current model in future decisions.
If you fax:
Use the above letters of appreciation or disappointment . Please personalize the letters given your concerns and the concerns of the district in which you live.
Find fax contact information for your congressperson at www.house.gov.
If you call:
Call the House Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or call your representative’s district offices. Find contact information for your congressperson at www.house.gov.
When you call:
- Ask to speak to the trade staffer, chief of staff, or legislative director.
- Tell them you are a constituent of faith, what denomination you represent, and what your connection to El Salvador is.
- If the Rep voted against CAFTA, thank him/her for their support. If he/she is a Republican, thank him/her for their courage in resisting White House deals and pressure. Encourage him or her to continue evaluating trade pacts in light of moral principles for the common good.
- If the Rep voted for CAFTA, express your disappointment. Encourage him/her to evaluate future trade pacts in light of moral principles for the common good.
Further reflection on trade justice is vital as CAFTA is implemented and future trade agreements are debated. To access a calendar of daily reflections on CAFTA that can be altered for future reflections in your church, school or community, go to:
http://www.tradejusticeusa.org/issues/trade_agreements/july-calendar.htm.
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