I sent one of the letters to my congressman regarding CAFTA/CODEX issue, and was astounded at what I received as a reply! It's obvious they don't even READ the stuff they are sent! See the response I received below (the bold italic emphasis is mine). And it's pretty obvious he's already made up his mind, no matter what his constituents think. Pretty sad.
GE [email protected] www.expertembroidery.com www.livingnow.net/gevans July 11, 2005 Dear Gail, Thank you for sharing your concerns with me regarding the U.S. Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). It is good to hear from you and I appreciate the opportunity to respond. On May 28, 2004 the U.S. signed the CAFTA with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The Dominican Republic concluded a similar bilateral free trade agreement with the U.S. on March 15, 2004. These two events merged on August 6, 2004 when all seven countries signed the U.S.- Dominican Republic Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). If CAFTA takes effect, over 80% of U.S. consumer and industrial exports to the region would become duty-free immediately, with all tariffs removed within 10 years. In addition, over half of current U.S. farm exports to the region would become duty free immediately with tariffs eliminated on all agricultural goods within 20 years. The agreement also advances U.S. interests in services trade, intellectual property rights, investment, government procurement, detailed rules of origin, safeguards, and lengthy tariff elimination schedules would protect many import sensitive goods for all countries. I understand your concerns with the gender disparities in CAFTA, and I agree with you that women and men should participate fully and equally in the formulation of economic and social policies and strategies of any society. Enacting the CAFTA agreement requires that Congress pass implementing legislation, and that similar action be undertaken in the other countries. Please know that I will keep your thoughts on CAFTA in mind should legislation implementing CAFTA come before my desk in the House of Representatives. Again, thank you for contacting me. It is an honor to serve you in Washington. If you would like more information on issues, or would like to share your thoughts with me via e-mail, you may visit my website at http://sullivan.house.gov. Please do not hesitate to contact me again should you have further concerns on federal legislation or programs.
