Ehrlich on Washington column, June 19, 2000

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Rood, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 1 5 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of June 1 9, 2000 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Increased Trade for Africa and the Caribbean Benefits America Developing weapons of mass destruction and stealing U.S. nuclear weapons secrets. Threatening American families and suppressing its own citizens. These are some of the reasons why China should not receive privileges of preferred trade status with America. Unfortunately, however, the House just passed legislation to grant Permanent Normalized Trade Relations (PNTR) with China. Although I opposed this China trade bill, I do believe in, and encourage, free trade with partners who trade fairly. From the Port of Baltimore to manufacturing plants in Dundalk and farms in northern Baltimore County, Marylanders have enjoyed the great benefits available through open markets. I support “free” trade, which is the removal of taxes on imports, when it advances American interests, helps developing nations, and does not violate our national security or trade laws. I am pleased to report the House recently passed H.R. 434, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which does exactly that. Signed into law by the President, this bill opens trade relations between the United States and many African nations, where it authorizes a new trade and investment policy. Moreover, H.R.434 expands benefits of free trade to the countries in the Caribbean Basin. Free trade with these nations means new markets for American goods, more jobs at home, and expanded employment opportunities in Africa and the Caribbean. These future jobs will specifically benefit the people of sub-Saharan Africa, many of whom now live in absolute poverty and under oppressive regimes. While expanding their economic opportunities, free trade will also transfer skills and standards common throughout the free trade community, strengthen the rule of law in those nations, and expose these folks democratic rule which capitalism often accompanies, if not demands. This trade package also will benefit American consumers via open access to specific Caribbean products such as textiles. Caribbean nations are among the most democratic in the world and are struggling to improve their economies by trading with the United States. (