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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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7/28/05

Taxpayers Win!!! House Passes CAFTA
U.S. has now ratified trade agreement

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives last night voted to approve the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) by a vote of 217-215. The Senate approved the agreement last month.

The agreement will open up new markets for U.S. goods and remove tariffs and barriers on exports to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The agreement will also reward six democracies that have stood up to protectionist pressures from leftist anti-American dictators including Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro.

“Final passage of CAFTA is a victory for consumers everywhere,” said taxpayer advocate Grover Norquist. “Not only will the agreement give consumers more choices at lower prices, but it will send a powerful message to the world that the United States stands with its friends against communism in the region.”

In the past year, Congress has also approved free trade agreements with Morocco and Australia.

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.