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In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Christopher Dodd
(D-CT) endorsed NAFTA, stating: "I have concluded that the
debate comes down to one between the future and the past. The
North American Free Trade Agreement represents the future, and by
adopting it Americans can demonstrate their willingness to meet
squarely the challenges ahead." Sen. Dodd outlined three
arguments supporting NAFTA: It will create jobs in the U.S.; it
is the first step to creating a powerful hemispheric trading
bloc; it could help to lead Latin American and Caribbean nations
"further down the path of democracy and prosperity." Stressing
his sympathy to the concerns of NAFTA's opponents, Dodd said, "I
suggest that the anxiety felt by American workers is real but
that the translation of this anxiety into opposition to this
trade agreement is mistaken."
Senator Bradley Makes Major Speech on NAFTA, Changes in World
In a major address focusing on the transformations in the
world economy which are battering working people, Senator Bill
Bradley (D-NJ) said that "absolute priority" must be given to
approving NAFTA. "I cannot help but see NAFTA as the test case
of whether we hold on and lose, or transform and win," Bradley
stated. "To defeat NAFTA will solve none of the problems
generated by the four transformations. To pass NAFTA will
improve the chances for more jobs in America and a stronger
economy to deal with the real threats to American jobs coming
from Europe, Japan, and China. To defeat NAFTA will darken the
chances for GATT, and the defeat of both will deny America its
major source of job creation during the next few years.
Ultimately, if world trade expands, everyone can win. To pass
NAFTA is to take the challenge head on."
In the last of this week's briefings on NAFTA for state
leaders, the Vice President, Secretary Bentsen, NEC Director Bob
Rubin, and Deputy NAFTA Coordinator Kurt Campbell spoke to New
Jersey business and community leaders. "I do appreciate being
given the opportunity to take part in the dialogue about NAFTA,"
Elenora Watson, Executive Director of the Urban League of Hudson
County said following the briefing. "The people I represent are
very concerned about job losses. ...Though I still have concerns,
the dialogue that occurred today moves me toward supporting the
agreement -- I am leaning toward supporting it."
Progressive Policy Institute Report Finds NAFTA in National
Interest
The Progressive Policy Institute yesterday released a
report concluding: "Approval of [NAFTA] would deal a resounding
blow to economic defeatists in America, create opportunity for
American workers, and set America on the road to regaining its
economic self confidence." For copies call the Institute at:
(202) 547-0001