MT Congressman Denny Rehberg's (R) reply to me regarding CAFTA

[Wetzelbill]

Denny Rehberg replied back to an e-mail I sent to him about CAFTA. He voted against it which kind of shocked me. It looks like a standard pre-written genericn response, but here it is.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the United States - Central American Free
Trade Agreement, also known as CAFTA. It’s good to hear from you.


As you may know, CAFTA is a proposed free-trade agreement between the United
States and the five nations that already form the Central American Common
Market. This agreement would offer these countries and their products much
broader access to American markets, which are overwhelmingly their main source
of trade.


I do share your concerns about the agricultural, environmental and labor impact
of CAFTA that many have voiced. Montana farmers and ranchers produce much more
than our state could ever consume and thus heavily rely on exports and trade.
While Montana has gained a reputation for its high quality commodities both
domestically and internationally, the majority of our market lies abroad. There
is tremendous potential for Montana products in foreign countries through trade
agreements. However, we need to be careful about which agreements are signed
and make sure they are implemented fairly.


Proponents of CAFTA assert that the agreement will allow access to developing
markets that are favorable to trade with the United States and will aid regional
efforts to fight drugs, crime, and terrorism by providing stable institutions
that will reinforce the progress already made. However, because trade with
Central America represents less than 1% of U.S. foreign commerce, most of the
effects and benefits will be felt by the other nations in the agreement.


In the past, major concessions have been made in agricultural trade. While free
trade benefits many important parts of the United States economy, I cannot
support an agreement unless it benefits Montana. Foreign trade can be a
positive opportunity for Montanans to sell their high quality products, but too
often free trade agreements are not fair to American farmers and ranchers. As
Montana’s Congressman, I will certainly be following CAFTAs progress and will
keep your concerns in mind as this agreement moves forward.


Thanks again for contacting me. For further information or to sign up for my
e-newsletter, please visit my website at www.house.gov/rehberg. Keep in touch.

[John Q. Citizen]

1. As 06 approaches, I think you will see "rubberstamp Rehberg"

attempting to rehabilitate his puppet image.

[Wetzelbill]

2. LOL

I'm sure he will. He just had a fit of madness I think.