Cass Ballenger: “I rise in support of the U.S. Caribbean Trade Partnership Act. This bill, introduced by the gentleman from Texas [Mr.…”

“I rise in support of the U.S. Caribbean Trade Partnership Act. This bill, introduced by the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Archer] and the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Crane], extends duty-free access for 14 months to certain products such as apparel, handbags, and so forth. As a member of the Committee on International Relations, I have always supported trade with our neighbors in this hemisphere. We have consistently worked to reduce tariffs and to ease trade barriers between our country and Latin America. The United States Caribbean Trade Partnership Act will restore trade benefits to our Caribbean neighbors which were lost as a result of NAFTA. Ultimately, increased trade will create jobs here and help countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala become more stable. After years of war and removing dictators, these countries are now fragile democracies and need our help. However, I do have some reservations about the rule-of-origin requirements of this bill. However, my belief is that with this guarantee, this bill will create more domestic jobs and opportunities for Americans. Reducing tariffs will result in lower consumer prices for imported products which benefit all consumers. Americans will benefit from these changes, and they will go to purchase clothes and other items. Join me in supporting the United States Caribbean Trade Partnership Act.”