“Like NAFTA, the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) would help US neighbors to the south build up their economies, reduce the flow of illegal immigrants, and improve their democracies - many of which didn't exist during the civil wars of the 1980s.” May 11, 2005

“Cafta is manifestly in the US national interest… Cafta would help to stabilise a fragile region in which the US has important strategic interests.” June 10, 2005

“Not only is [Cafta] - on balance - positive for the countries involved. Its approval by a US Congress in danger of succumbing to the lure of protectionism is essential if the administration is to regain the initiative in its relations with Latin America, as well as on the broader front of free trade.” May 13, 2005

“CAFTA is beneficial to both the United States and Central America, and it's preposterous for senators from sugar-growing states who otherwise support free trade to oppose it.” April 16, 2005

"Free trade is imperfect, but it is flexible and far more robust than the old, locked-up tariff system. The right choice is to improve it until it creates better jobs and opportunities on both ends of the deal" December 18, 2004

"The trade deal would be a fitting tribute for a region that has come so far from the chaotic, often deadly, instability of 20 years ago... Although they still face severe economic challenges, these Central American nations have made enormous social, economic and political progress. All five have democratically elected leaders... This trade deal on balance deserves widespread support in Congress." November 18, 2004

“Most imports from these countries already enter the U.S. duty-free under existing trade agreements; U.S. exports to the region, however, still face trade barriers. From a U.S. perspective, then, CAFTA is principally about opening their markets to us.”
June 15, 2005

“Cafta would lower tariffs and help job growth in a needy region… a study by the United States International Trade Commission estimates that Cafta, when fully implemented, would cut the trade deficit by $756 million.” June 13, 2005

“Cafta would still be a win for Central American workers. More factory jobs in these poor countries would do wonders to provide low- or no-income people with options. Denying poor people in Central America the benefits of better access to the American market is certainly not the way to lift them out of poverty.” May 31, 2005

“Cafta would expand the market for U.S. goods with the 44 million consumers in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, as well as with the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean… Two-way trade was $31.9 billion in 2003, according to the Cato Institute, making the Cafta region America's 13th largest trading partner -- bigger than Brazil, Singapore or Australia." April 26, 2005

"[The] American-Jordan free trade accord... included nearly identical language on labor and environment. Cafta actually goes further than the pact with Jordan, since penalty fines collected for not enforcing labor laws would be sent back to the offending country to fix the offense. The Central American accord is a good idea that will help job growth in a needy region." November 24, 2004

“CAFTA would slash by half the tariffs the six countries impose on agricultural products coming from the USA…it would open up new markets for telecommunications and high-tech companies.” May 26, 2005

“Cafta would expand the market for U.S. goods with the 44 million consumers in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, as well as with the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean… Two-way trade was $31.9 billion in 2003, according to the Cato Institute, making the Cafta region America's 13th largest trading partner -- bigger than Brazil, Singapore or Australia. April 26, 2005

"Cafta is long overdue.... 80% of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products to Central America will be duty-free 'immediately' and over 15 years all tariffs on these goods will be eliminated." January 5, 2004

“CAFTA would actually help the poor: It would create 300,000 new jobs in shoes, textiles and apparel; it would create a new mechanism for enforcing labor rights; and a World Bank study has found that the vast majority of poor families in the region would gain from the deal.” July 26, 2005

"It's hard to see how any deal that keeps jobs in the region can be bad for the people who work there. At the end of this year, the global system of textile quotas that has restrained Asian exporters will expire, and jobs are liable to migrate from Latin America unless the region gets preferential access to the U.S. market. As well as providing that, the deal also creates a panel that would hear complaints about the non-enforcement of labor laws. Fines levied by the panel would be used to improve enforcement. These are valuable provisions." May 27, 2004

"Enacting the agreement would provide a boost for U.S. textile makers, which ship their fabrics to Central America to be sewn into clothes, and it would help Central Americans survive the challenge from the lifting of quotas on Chinese textile and apparel exports." March 18, 2005

"It's hard to see how any deal that keeps jobs in the region can be bad for the people who work there. At the end of this year, the global system of textile quotas that has restrained Asian exporters will expire, and jobs are liable to migrate from Latin America unless the region gets preferential access to the U.S. market. As well as providing that, the deal also creates a panel that would hear complaints about the non-enforcement of labor laws. Fines levied by the panel would be used to improve enforcement. These are valuable provisions." May 27, 2004

"American exporters will benefit from CAFTA.... The bottom line is that CAFTA could do much to consolidate Central America's hard-won start at stability."
December 30, 2003

"Critics would be wrong to try to block this agreement, if that is their ultimate intention. Already, more than three-fourths of goods coming from the five CAFTA countries -- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua -- enter the United States duty-free, under various preferential trade agreements. CAFTA would codify and formalize the trading relationship and make it easier to enforce the labor and environmental standards that American labor advocates and their congressional supporters seek." August 11, 2003

“[CAFTA] plays to the overall economic strength of this region of the world if Central America develops more stable democracies and stronger markets on the basis of expanded trade opportunities… It deserves the House's approval.” July 26, 2005

“Would a similar arrangement with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic prove more beneficial than costly? A recent study by the University of Michigan estimated that American income would increase $17 billion and Central American income would rise by $5 billion.” June 14, 2005

"CAFTA would economically bind the United States with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. It would gradually eliminate almost all tariffs.

Its approval would mark a small step forward -- small because the economies of the Central American countries are relatively tiny -- as an emerging global economy continues to take shape.

In his brief swing through New Mexico, Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca touted the jobs his country stands to gain as the best medicine for the region's severe poverty, as well as a tonic for democracy." May 16, 2005

“The Texas Farm Bureau has signed on big time to CAFTA, calling it ‘close to being a no-brainer.’ There can be no doubt of the benefit CAFTA would bring to the region. It should become law.” May 17, 2005

"This state's congressional delegation, if it hasn't already signed on to support this latest free-trade agreement, needs to. It's good business, it's good for democracy, and it's good for Arkansas. And, oh, yes, DR-CAFTA is bad for dictators." April 7, 2005

“CAFTA represents the best hope for the six nations to find a place in the US market before their struggling industries are swept aside by China and other larger, cheaper producers. Congress, and the administration, should give them a chance to compete. “ June 15, 2005

"Central America, thanks to modern transportation and increased immigration, is closer to the United States than at any other time in history. Congress should back the CAFTA gamble to give the people there an opportunity for sustained prosperity." March 14, 2005

(Corpus Christi, TX)

"Expanding free trade will expand the economic benefits and improve diplomatic ties. It will be good for the Hemisphere. We've seen the positive effects of removing barriers between the U.S. and Mexico as a result of NAFTA. The population of South Texas and of northern Mexico, predominantly Hispanic, has seen the liberalizing results of free trade. It's a win-win proposition." August 29, 2004

“CAFTA would boost U.S. exports and create more jobs for Americans. It also would create jobs in those six nations and improve working conditions: The treaty would require those countries to enforce the labor laws they already have on the books.”
July 11, 2005

“Americans have benefited from the expansion of international trade. Consumers have more choices and pay lower prices… The six nations involved in the Central America Free Trade Agreement already have open access to U.S. markets for many goods. This pact would give American companies and producers open access to the markets of these six nations… That's good for U.S. companies and U.S. workers.” April 19, 2005

"The pact would eliminate industrial tariffs..., opening once-closed markets and creating vibrant new opportunities." December 29, 2003

“A free-trade agreement with five Central American nations and the Dominican Republic would be tiny in terms of the total U.S. trade picture, but still this is a market of 44 million who bought $15.7 billion worth of stuff from us last year… We should put some credence in these countries' abilities to decide what's best for themselves, and all six are heartily for CAFTA.” July 18, 2005

“NAFTA was only the first acknowledgement of the handwriting on the wall for globalization, and CAFTA could help Mississippi, eliminating tariffs on farm goods sold to the region and possibly boosting the coast's ports.” June 19, 2005

“Central American nations have been moving away from corrupt dictatorships toward democratic rule. The Caribbean initiative is credited with stabilizing the region by boosting its economies. CAFTA, once enacted, would continue this progress.”
June 6, 2005

(Everett, WA)

“Two decades ago, Central American counties like El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala were bloody battlefields. Among the ways to keep these fragile democracies free is to help them build stable economies. That's what free trade can do.” May 16, 2005

“Relieved of trade barriers, those countries could export more for consumption by American companies and consumers, creating jobs and lifting the standard of living for people desperate for work. Rather than having to leave their families and travel thousands of miles to find employment, they could earn a living wage at home.”
May 18, 2005

“As far as we're concerned, CAFTA-DR is worthy of passage on its own considerable merits…House members should pass CAFTA-DR for the sake of free trade and economic prosperity…” July 23, 2005

“If CAFTA-DR doesn't pass, American global economic leadership suffers badly. Protectionist barriers return. Living standards in Central America suffer, and illegal immigration to the north worsens…CAFTA-DR is more than just another trade pact. It's a line in the sand for economic reform and stability in this hemisphere.”
June 12, 2005

“CAFTA-DR must pass. Central America and the Dominican Republic make up the second-largest U.S. export market in Latin America behind Mexico. The United States exports more than $15 billion annually to the region, more than this country exports to Russia, India and Indonesia combined.” May 2, 2005

"Hail and welcome the proposed U.S.-Central America free-trade agreement! Yes to free trade with Central America. Emphatically, yes." January 7, 2004

"Central America's democracies are still fragile, and its governments need to show their impoverished people there's a hope for a brighter future. CAFTA is one tool to nurture that hope…U.S. foreign policy interests would be well-served by helping to build prosperity and freedom among all the nations in our hemisphere."
March 26, 2005

“Some gain in U.S. agricultural exports is expected, however, because the agreement would eliminate tariffs, now averaging more than 10 percent, that the Central American countries impose on U.S. agricultural products. Most Central American products, on the other hand, already can enter the United States duty-free.”
June 15, 2005

"[0]pening borders to expanded trade is good for the economies of all trading partners involved... the agreement is important as a signal of the continued U.S. commitment to liberalize trade worldwide and to include our nearest neighbors in the greater prosperity it will foster." January 16, 2005

“The U.S. House may vote on the Central America Free Trade Agreement next week and its passage would benefit Northeast Georgia, with an especially positive affect on the area's poultry industry… Embracing change is necessary for progress and competitiveness.” July 17, 2005

“What should be kept in mind is that nearly 80 percent of Central American products already enter the United States duty free, while U.S. exports to the region, amounting to more than $15 billion, are subject to tariffs and quotas. Those trade barriers would be removed under CAFTA, benefiting U.S. exporters and 44 million Central American consumers.” July 6, 2005

"About 80 percent of imports from Central America already enter the United States duty free. Ratification of CAFTA would increase access to foreign markets for U.S. companies and their employees." April 12, 2005

"Few things really worthwhile are easy.... The agreement, if the Bush administration can get it through Congress next year, would phase out tariffs, resulting in increased trade and more jobs among the signatory nations." December 22, 2003

“Would CAFTA help build closer ties between the United States and Central America, and perhaps even help bring greater stability to still-nascent democracies there? Almost surely. Would it generally foster economic growth at home and abroad? Probably.” June 16, 2005

“This trade pact will give struggling Central American and Caribbean states a fighting chance to develop into prosperous democracies through access to markets…CAFTA would also let these governments beat off the snares of crime, foreign meddling and populism, all tangible threats to vulnerable states that history shows can lead to growing prospects of fighting the atrocious wars of the 1980s all over again… Every single one will be better off with the certainnty of CAFTA.” June 28, 2005

“Central America is turning toward democracy, prosperity and open markets. Congress should reinforce this trend by approving CAFTA.” July 7, 2005

“CAFTA would lower those tariffs. That's why agricultural groups, including growers of wheat, corn and soybeans, are strong supporters…The pact would also benefit U.S. exporters of cars, as wells as telecommunications and other high-tech equipment… It would make no sense to vote down an accord that requires such minimal change in American policy and opens new markets for U.S. exports.” May 31, 2005

“The Central American Free Trade Agreement, which went before Congress this week, would open new markets for U.S. exports and deserves approval… The pact would substantially open Central American markets for our products, and provide U.S. consumers with more choices at lower prices.” April 21, 2005

"The proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement, signed recently in Washington, is squarely within U.S. economic interests. The participating countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua - already enjoy duty-free access to the American market for three-fourths of their exports. But U.S. exports to those countries face significant tariffs." July 15, 2004

"The Bush administration has reached agreement with several Central American countries on a welcome free-trade pact. This is encouraging news.... Free trade is squarely within the long-term U.S. national interest." January 6, 2004

(Keene, NH)

“CAFTA would expand the market for U.S. goods and reduce prices for imports… Adding Central America and the Dominican Republic to the North American Free Trade Agreement would also help the United States better compete with the expanding and increasingly integrated common market in the European Union.”
May 15, 2005

(Clarkesville, TN)

"Trade isolationists would like to live in a world where the United States is safely cocooned and American jobs "protected." Such thinking ignores the reality of the global economy and the fact the United States -and its workers - can profit from the market at large... Let's get CAFTA passed." November 27, 2004

“The American Farm Bureau estimated that Nebraska's 3rd House District alone would gain from $25 million to $44 million when the trade agreement is fully implemented. The National Cattlemen's Association estimated that beef exports to Central America would rise from $12.5 million to $41 million a year.” June 4, 2005

“The trade agreement would provide the framework for a healthy two-way trading relationship that would benefit Nebraska and other Americans for years to come. The United States long has been a leader in encouraging the spread of free trade and economic opportunity in the world. It would be tragic if shortsighted opponents succeed in strangling future growth.” April 18, 2005

“CAFTA-DR would benefit all of the countries involved. The House should vote its approval.” July 20, 2005

“CAFTA would liberalize trade among the United States and six nations close to Florida: The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. It would put an end to the other nations' import taxes, which could boost sales on a broad range of U.S. products, everything from candy bars to cars. CAFTA would eliminate the few remaining U.S. duties on imports from the six countries.” April 25, 2005

"The Bush administration did the right thing to sign the Central American Free Trade Agreement last Friday .... Economic growth would bolster the pro-democracy governments involved in CAFTA, and ensure that we have solid trading partners in the region." May 30, 2004

“According to the USDA, agricultural exports helped support more than 25,000 jobs in Wisconsin, and in 2003, such exports from Wisconsin earned more than $1.5 billion. The trade deal, USDA says, ‘will increase Wisconsin's exports of agricultural products,’ not just the exports of dairy farmers.” May 22, 2005

“A look at the specifics of the deal shows why CAFTA will be good for the nation and for Alabama. The short version is that the pact will do far more to cut tariffs imposed against U.S. products by our central American neighbors than it will do to cut trade barriers the United States imposes on their products -- because the United States already does quite little to block their goods from our markets.” June 21, 2005

“U.S. Agriculture secretaries under presidents Carter, Reagan, Clinton and both Bushes all have endorsed the agreement… CAFTA is a good deal for the state and nation. Alabama's congressmen, in particular, should lead the way in helping it pass.” April 25, 2005

(Pittsburg, KS)

“With the passage of CAFTA our country can continue to build on a good thing… There is no question, CAFTA will benefit nearly every major U.S. agricultural sector. This free-trade agreement will knock down those high tariffs in Costa Rica, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.” April 16, 2005

“We urge the U.S. House of Representatives to approve the U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement, just as the Senate approved it late last month.” July 9, 2005

“Central America's small manufacturers say CAFTA would open up new investment opportunities and create jobs. Without it, they say, they may lose half of their export business…In the United States, the big gains would come to wheat and grain farmers, who would find new markets.” June 15, 2005

(Greesboro, NC) “The state's agriculture industry strongly supports CAFTA. High tariffs imposed by Central American countries block North Carolina farm products, but once they're removed the industry sees potential for significant export growth of poultry, pork, corn, cotton and soybeans…CAFTA also could create markets for North Carolina-based banks, pharmaceutical manufacturers and companies like Dell and FedEx.” June 19, 2005

(Fort Wayne, IN)

“Reducing the tariffs on our exports will make them more affordable, which means people will buy more of them. That creates a better standard of living in the receiving nation and jobs in the producing nation.” July 6, 2005

“Actually, CAFTA is probably the single best thing this country could do for those workers. If markets were to expand for Central American goods, Central American labor would be worth more, paid more and treated better. Workers would gain more leverage and find it easier to unionize if their employers persisted in exploiting and abusing them.” June 27, 2005

“…Cafta would permit New Yorkers to purchase less expensive goods by opening our economy to free trade, eliminating or dramatically reducing barriers such as tariffs and quotas. New York City and state stand to gain a lot under the deal.” July 12, 2005

“We believe in the fundamental benefits of free trade. Over the course of time, America's economy is helped by the open markets that result when countries drop tariffs and other trade restrictions… The House should follow the Senate's lead and endorse CAFTA.” July 6, 2005

“Free trade is good for America… During his confirmation hearing Thursday, incoming Trade Representative Robert Portman said democracies in Central America need a free-trading relationship with the U.S…” April 22, 2005

“Every trade agreement involves compromises. But CAFTA-DR will help our neighbors to the south while creating new markets for U.S. manufacturers and farmers. A nation that professes to be the world's leading proponent of free and fair trade should not retreat from its principles now.” May 16, 2005

“It [CAFTA] would be especially beneficial for Florida, because almost half the trade between the United States and the CAFTA countries moves through the state. History says a free-trade pact will boost that flow, adding to the more than 500,000 jobs already attributable to trade in Florida.” July 11, 2005

“Former President Jimmy Carter has called CAFTA "a chance to reinforce democracies in the region." As Mr. Carter has warned, rejecting the agreement "would undercut these fragile democracies, compel them to retreat to protectionism, and make it harder for them to cooperate with the U.S." June 15, 2005

“CAFTA would expand markets for exporters, lower prices for consumers and reinforce democracy on America's doorstep by spurring economic growth in the region. It includes provisions to promote labor and environmental protections in the CAFTA countries.” May 18, 2005

“CAFTA-DR would be a boon for exporters and consumers, strengthen the economies of fragile democracies on America's doorstep and pave the way for bigger trade treaties.” April 18, 2005

“…Minnesota will benefit greatly from the passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement.” July 14, 2005

“CAFTA in the end isn't really about pitting U.S. workers against their Latin American counterparts. Rather, it's about helping Central Americans compete more effectively against the Chinese. And an economically stable Central America is very much in our interest.” June 5, 2005

"CAFTA in the end isn't really about pitting U.S. workers against their Latin American counterparts. Rather, it's about helping Central Americans compete more effectively against the Chinese. And an economically stable Central America is very much in our interest." June 5, 2004

“CAFTA shores up relationships with democratic U.S. allies in the region. By bolstering the CAFTA partners' economies to the tune of about $5 billion, according to a University of Michigan study, the United States counters criticism that it isn't interested in sharing its wealth with Latin Americans.” June 9, 2005

(Denver, CO)

“CAFTA would end duties on 80 percent of the $15 billion in U.S. exports to the 44 million consumers of Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean… The U.S. Chamber of Commerce predicts U.S. sales to the region could expand by more than $3 billion in the first year once CAFTA tariff limits take effect… Winners would include Colorado's feed, potato, grain, pork and cattle industries.” May 14, 2005

"Worldwide, the quotas stand as an example of the hypocrisy of U.S. demands for more open markets abroad. And since agricultural trade liberalization provides the largest percentage gains in real income, these restrictions have helped ravage the economies of poor Latin American nations. Which is why CAFTA is the region's most important free-trade pact since the North American Free Trade Agreement that linked Mexico, Canada and the U.S." February 14, 2005

"CAFTA represents an opportunity for U.S. foreign policy to re-engage a region that has suffered from underdeveloped export industries, poverty and political instability… the American Farm Bureau estimates CAFTA will increase the value of U.S. farm exports to Central America by $900 million a year within 15 years" October 29, 2004

“The pact codifies existing unilateral agreements between the United States and six Western Hemispheric neighbors that have shown a commitment to democratic reform and the rule of law. It also reciprocates free trade privileges for American business in countries that, combined, constitute the nation's 12th largest export market.” July 11, 2005

“Besides the economic benefits of increased trade, rising employment, lower consumer prices on imports and easier access for U.S. exports, CAFTA carries with it two important benefits. First, it will give the United States leverage on labor and environmental issues in the CAFTA nations where none currently exists. Second, it rewards the progress of these emerging democracies and strengthens the movement toward political and social reforms necessary for them to succeed.”
April 24, 2005

"Anyone looking for confirmation of free trade's benefits need only come to San Antonio. Toyota is investing $800 million to produce trucks here. Our city's highways vibrate with commerce carried from and headed to the border. In boardrooms and in classrooms, the language of business in San Antonio is not only English; it's also Spanish and Japanese. Free trade benefits San Antonio, the United States and our trading partners as well. This is why Congress should ratify CAFTA as a critical step in expanding economic prosperity in the Western Hemisphere." June 6, 2004

"[T]he new agreement is a positive step. It merits congressional approval."
December 22, 2003

“The agreement ropes in Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and the Dominican Republican. The countries, among the poorest in this hemisphere, need economic help as they emerge from decades of civil war and military juntas. If improvements result, Bush advisers argue, narco- terrorism and illegal immigration might ease also.” May 29, 2005

“Congressional approval of the trade agreement is of vital importance to export-dependent Silicon Valley, to the nation as a whole and to Central America… Free trade is good for developing economies. Approval of the agreement will also revive America's credentials as an advocate of trade liberalization and help ongoing efforts to open markets to American goods.” April 27, 2005

"[CAFTA] would be an economic boon to the mostly impoverished populations of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. It could help those countries become models of economic growth and opportunity in Central America…"
December 22, 2003

“CAFTA is good policy… We hope that Bush and his party prevail in the CAFTA debate.” July 11, 2005

“…Hundreds of thousands of jobs in this state depend on trade. The question of whether this state is for trade agreements ought to be settled: We are for them.”
May 10, 2005

(Newark, NJ)

“There is no single prescription for alleviating poverty and building stable middle classes in struggling countries, but free trade is among the best long-term medicines available.” May 20, 2005

(Minneapolis, MN)

“The list of likely winners from CAFTA is long and diverse because, at the moment, American exports face steep tariffs going into [CAFTA countries]… CAFTA also represents a chance to create jobs and reduce poverty in Latin America. Perhaps the single most powerful development tool available to Washington is to open the rich American consumer market to developing nations and their agricultural exports.”
May 14, 2005

"American policy on sugar is one of the most egregious examples of a rich nation protecting special interests while closing its markets to developing nations - at high cost to American consumers and some of the world's poorest farmers."
January 10, 2004

"Congress will soon debate a free-trade agreement with five Central American countries and the Dominican Republic… If the measure fails, the United States will be turning its back on one of the most important lessons of the past 60 years: Trade fosters prosperity and peace." April 2, 2005

“Soybeans, rice, cotton, petrochemicals and any number of other state products should find ready markets in Central America. Increases in exports and the increase in goods handled by Louisiana ports are predicted to create jobs as well.”
April 20, 2005

"If CAFTA fails, American manufacturers and retailers won't stop buying low-cost goods overseas. But the textiles they might have bought from Central and South America will come instead from Asia - and will enter the United States through Los Angeles and Seattle instead of New Orleans. Louisiana can't afford to lose such traffic." October 15, 2004

"[T]he New Orleans area - home to some of the world's busiest ports - has a strong interest in expanding trade with Central America. Local political and business leaders need to work together to capitalize on opportunities that CAFTA could create in the future." July 8, 2004

“The benefits that would come from implementing CAFTA are numerous… CAFTA offers a real hope for improved environmental standards. The current situation does not… Congress should approve CAFTA.” May 31, 2005

“The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) would generate undeniable benefits for large U.S. constituencies. Consumers would pay lower prices for a wide range of products. The goods and services of U.S. businesses would enter the Central American market on a much more competitive basis than they currently do.” June 26, 2005

"The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) bolsters prospects for the region's development while expanding markets mainly for U.S. agricultural producers and fabric makers. Approving CAFTA would allow U.S. apparel suppliers to position themselves in Central America before global textile quotas expire at the end of the year and China seeks markets more aggressively. The agreement would improve the economic prospects of countries in America's backyard and open export markets for U.S. producers." June 3, 2004

"Establishing free-trade ties is one of the few effective policy options the United States has in fostering relationships with the developing world. CAFTA is a deliberate and politically brave step in the right direction." December 21, 2003

“CAFTA-DR is designed to actually help the American textile industry. The hope is that the pact will help apparel makers in the six countries fend off the assault of Chinese exports. They will be using fabric woven in the United States and the other signatory nations when they do… In all, CAFTA-DR appears to be a good deal for North Carolina and the United States.” June 3, 2005

"Recently released 2004 export statistics show a 10 percent annual increase in export sales for the state's industries… The evidence is one more indication that Wisconsin ought to wholeheartedly support the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement." February 22, 2005