|
|
"A collaborative political resource." |
Louisiana's senators both vote against CAFTA
|
| Parent(s) |
Container
-
|
| Contributor | Brandonius Maximus |
| Last Edited | Brandonius Maximus Jul 01, 2005 09:01am |
| Category | Proposed Legislation |
| News Date | Jul 01, 2005 09:00am |
| Description | NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A controversial free trade agreement that Louisiana's senators say will devastate the state's centuries-old sugar cane industry won approval from the U.S. Senate and now heads to the House where opponents hope to quash it.
U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu and David Vitter both voted against the Central American Free Trade Agreement Thursday night, but it still won passage by a 54-45 vote.
"CAFTA is a raw deal for the Louisiana sugarcane industry," Vitter, a Republican from Metairie, told his colleagues.
Landrieu, a Democrat from New Orleans, said in a statement the state's $2 billion sugar industry employes 27,000 people in 15 mills, two refineries and nearly 700 farms in 25 parishes.
"We cannot speak about the trade implications of this treaty without first and foremost acknowledging the devastating impact it could have on Louisiana jobs, families and economy. This ill-advised agreement puts them all at risk," she said.
American Sugar Cane League General Manager Jim Simon welcomed the senators' support.
|
| Article | Read Article |
|
|
