WALLY HERGER: “in 2003, President Bush called for the creation of a Middle East Free Trade Area in 10 years to bring the Middle East…”

“in 2003, President Bush called for the creation of a Middle East Free Trade Area in 10 years to bring the Middle East into an expanding circle of opportunity. To date the administration has successfully negotiated free trade agreements with Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, and Oman to provide a solid foundation for the MEFTA initiative. As the Wall Street Journal noted in an editorial the other day: ``The deal would make all U.S. industrial and consumer products duty free immediately and phase out farm tariffs over 10 years.'' The promise of the Omani agreement before us is expanded market opportunities for U.S. exporters, greater financial integrity in the world economy, and enhanced regional stability. Overall, by developing greater economic friendship in the Middle East with modernizing economies like Oman, we also advance America's national security objectives in the broader war on terrorism. As the 9/11 Commission report recommended, ``Any comprehensive U.S. strategy to counterterrorism should include economic policies that encourage development, more open societies, and opportunities for people to improve their lives.'' The U.S.-Oman FTA embodies this principle. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement and urge its passage in the House.”