Business Roundtable Intensifies Push for DR-CAFTA Approval

WASHINGTON, DC - Business Roundtable President John J. Castellani today called on Congress to move ahead with swift approval of the U.S.-Dominican Republic/Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) after Members return from the Memorial Day recess. Castellani also outlined Business Roundtable's stepped-up advocacy effort in support of the trade agreement.

"Business Roundtable CEOs are amplifying their support for this important agreement by reaching out to their Members of Congress and urging passage," said Castellani. "DR-CAFTA is among the highest priorities on this year's legislative agenda. Congress needs to pass this agreement as soon as possible.

"We will not rest until Congress has completed the job on this agreement," Castellani continued. "America's continued economic growth depends on trade expansion, and DR-CAFTA is a high priority on the trade roster."

In a press conference with dozens of business and agriculture leaders at the U.S. Capitol, Business Roundtable highlighted several elements of its ongoing pro-DR-CAFTA advocacy effort:

• A national phone bank and an email campaign mobilizing an expansive network of grassroots supporters to write, call and meet with Members of Congress in key districts;

• Corporate leaders placing calls and meeting with Members of Congress in home districts;

• A national radio tour being kicked off during the Memorial Day recess;

• A print advertising campaign in key publications; and
• An editorial board outreach effort that already has resulted in 60 positive newspaper editorials throughout the country, in addition to dozens of opinion columns.

"We've turned the corner in the DR-CAFTA debate," Castellani said. "As support continues to build, we are confident that we will achieve a successful vote in Congress."

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Business Roundtable (www.businessroundtable.org) is an association of chief executive officers of leading corporations with a combined workforce of more than 10 million employees and $4 trillion in annual revenues. The chief executives are committed to advocating public policies that foster vigorous economic growth, a dynamic global economy, and a well-trained and productive U.S. workforce essential for future competitiveness.

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