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Capitol Hill Watch Alert

Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (HR 3009); Fast Track Trade Authority Bill

The Senate has begun debate on the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act  (HR 3009); Fast Track Trade Authority bill. Renewing the Andean preferential trade agreement would keep markets open in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.  The measure would help provide employment opportunities for U.S. workers as well as help an uncertain economy regain vigor and would also help these nations’ struggling economies move toward productive industries and away from the drug trade.

Furthermore, the Senate must offer an amendment to this bill that gives fast-track negotiating authority to the President to allow him to conclude trade agreements with other nations and submit them to Congress for a quick up or down vote without amendment.

What Can You Do?

Urge your senators to SUPPORT the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act  (HR 3009); Fast Track Trade Authority bill, as well as an amendment giving the President fast-track negotiating authority.

Contact Information:

Capitol Hill Switchboard Numbers: 202-225-3121 or 202-224-3121 (Those numbers will direct you to the Capitol Hill operator. Ask for your senators’ offices.)

To go to your senators' websites, find their E-mail or to find out who your senators are... http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm

Mailed or Faxed Correpondence...

To A Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator (last name):

In the fast-paced world of global trade and investment expansion, the United States (U.S.) cannot be a major participant without fast-track authority to launch new trade negotiations bilaterally, regionally, and multilaterally.

Between 1974 and 1993, Congress approved fast-track authority for the President repeatedly. This quick form of approval proved successful for facilitating trade negotiations while keeping Congress involved in the process and preserving their ultimate authority to regulate trade. If the President does not have fast-track authority to reach binding agreements to liberalize trade in both directions (North and South), countries will not negotiate seriously with the U.S. free trade and American businesses will be hurt by the lack of fast-track authority.

For example, Chile concluded separate bilateral free trade agreements with Mexico and Canada, two members of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) apart from the United States. These agreements were made only after Chile grew tired of waiting for fast track to allow it to pursue accession to NAFTA. To date, Chile has still not concluded a similar trade agreement with the U.S.

Also, the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act  (HR 3009) would help provide employment opportunities for U.S. workers as well as help an uncertain economy regain vigor.  Also, it would help these nations’ struggling economies move toward productive industries and away from the drug trade.

As your constituent, I urge you to support the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act  (HR 3009);  and an amendment to the measure that gives the President fast-track negotiating authority.

Sincerely,

 (Your Name*)

*Be sure to include your complete address in the letter.

E-mail Correspondence...

The following format should be used in the body of your message:

Your Name
Address
City, State  Zip Code

Dear Senator (last name),

In the fast-paced world of global trade and investment expansion, the United States (U.S.) cannot be a major participant without fast-track authority to launch new trade negotiations bilaterally, regionally, and multilaterally.

Between 1974 and 1993, Congress approved fast-track authority for the President repeatedly. This quick form of approval proved successful for facilitating trade negotiations while keeping Congress involved in the process and preserving their ultimate authority to regulate trade. If the President does not have fast-track authority to reach binding agreements to liberalize trade in both directions (North and South), countries will not negotiate seriously with the U.S. free trade and American businesses will be hurt by the lack of fast-track authority.

For example, Chile concluded separate bilateral free trade agreements with Mexico and Canada, two members of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) apart from the United States. These agreements were made only after Chile grew tired of waiting for fast track to allow it to pursue accession to NAFTA. To date, Chile has still not concluded a similar trade agreement with the U.S.

Also, the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act  (HR 3009) would help provide employment opportunities for U.S. workers as well as help an uncertain economy regain vigor.  Also, it would help these nations’ struggling economies move toward productive industries and away from the drug trade.

As your constituent, I urge you to support the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act  (HR 3009);  and an amendment to the measure that gives the President fast-track negotiating authority.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

*Be sure to include your complete address in the letter.

 

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