07/19/05 McMorris talks about CAFTA

Washington Ag July 19, 2005 5th District Congresswoman Cathy McMorris has not yet publically stated her position on the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. During a recent interview at the Spillman Field Day McMorris explained why. McMorris: "Part of it is because there are a lot of other issues surrounding CAFTA where we are trying to get some movement. Whether it is on some immigration issues. Some of the issues related to China, so there are a lot of moving pieces related to the CAFTA bill itself." But the Congresswoman has been hearing from agricultural groups who support CAFTA like the wheat growers, potato growers and apple producers. McMorris: "How important opening up these markets is to them and I think it is important for more people to recognize." McMorris says opposition she is hearing is not directed at CAFTA specifically as much as it is a growing concern about loss of jobs in the U.S. McMorris: "And concern over small town eastern Washington and what is happening in these small towns. There is just growing concerns and I don't know that they can identify want is driving it but they think that trade might have something to do with it." The Senate has already passed CAFTA and that puts the focus on the U.S. House of Representatives. I'm Bob Hoff.