June 14, 2005

"This afternoon the Senate Finance Committee voted to support the U.S. Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), signaling a strong victory for America's farmers and ranchers.

"I commend Chairman Grassley for his leadership on behalf of American agriculture and thank the Finance Committee for supporting this trade agreement, which helps level the playing field for our nation's producers. While products from the CAFTA nations are flowing freely into our country, American farmers and ranchers currently pay high tariffs to access those markets. CAFTA makes trade a two-way street by eliminating many of those export duties and that's why I'm so pleased with today's action."

By advancing CAFTA, the Senate Finance Committee sent a message that they stand firmly in support of our nation's producers. This demonstrates how American agriculture can succeed when we all work together."