Patrick Leahy: “last year I reluctantly cast my vote against the Trade and Development Act of 1999, a modest package of trade bills…”

“last year I reluctantly cast my vote against the Trade and Development Act of 1999, a modest package of trade bills which included the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the Carribean Basin Trade Enhancement Act. I have long supported expanding trade opportunities for Vermonters and all Americans, as well as for people in developing countries. And I have felt for some time that our relationship with Africa cannot continue to be based almost exclusively on aid, when the real engine of development, as we have seen both at home and abroad, is investment and trade. However, I voted against that bill because I felt that in developing a trade policy toward Africa--where poverty is deeply rooted and protections for the environment and the rights of workers are non-existent--precautions must be taken to ensure that it is a sound policy that responds to Africa's unique and urgent needs. I was disappointed that given the rare opportunity to examine and redefine our relationship with Africa, the approach was so limited and flawed.”