LegislativeupdateSeptember2005

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: September 2005

By Ellie Azoff

U.S. Congress extendes Plan Colombia

CAFTA Vote Passes in U.S. Congress

On the night of July 27 th the Central American Free Trade Agreement was passed by an extremely close vote of 217-215. This outcome is disappointing for more reasons than one. Democracy was taken for a ride, as there is usually 15 minutes allowed to encourage people to vote for or against a bill, when these fifteen minutes are up the vote should be closed. However, on the eve of July 27 th when Republicans faced the fact that CAFTA had been voted against by a vote of nays outnumbering the yays by 180-175, they did not close the vote at the designated time of 11:17 pm. Instead the republicans ran around trying to convince those who had not yet voted to vote for CAFTA, of course, providing adequate “encouragement” for the politicians to agree to it. In fact the republicans were so desperate Bush, Cheney and Rice had to make an extremely rare appearance in the halls of Congress to convince legislators to vote for CAFTA. The vote was open well after midnight, and it was then that CAFTA passed. This is a depressing display of how our democracy can be so easily overhauled to protect economic interests. Yet it is also very positive that republicans had to resort to such desperate measures because for once, Congress questioned the free trade model. For once an intense debate ensued demonstrating that our politicians are beginning to see the light. In addition, this debate and exposure will not bode well for future free trade agreement plans such as the Andean Free Trade Agreement that is in the works.

For Central America the passing of CAFTA is a devastating blow. Despite protests by civilians of the countries all of the countries except Costa Rica and Nicaragua have signed the bill. For the countries that have singed this most likely means lower wages, longer hours, and all around unacceptable labor standards. Although Bush promises that labor standards are protected under CAFTA the reality of it is that the only provision for labor standards in the bill states that countries must uphold their own labor standards. This is a weak clause as the majority of Central American countries already have extremely low labor standards thus they are allowed to provide only the minimal amount of rights to their laborers and there is no assurance that even these standards will be upheld as filing for an investigation into a violation has been made harder under CAFTA.

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The vote was extremely close and there was significant debate questioning this type of economic model, we need to keep these things in mind as we continue our fight for social justice. This close vote demonstrates the great amount of power grassroots organizations, individuals and others have in persuading their politicians to make the right choices. Also, in a poll done by the Wall Street Journal statistics show that 79% of the US public is dissatisfied by the approach of the US towards trade and only 16% favor agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA. These are stark and encouraging numbers. CAFTA squeaked by but it is apparent that the fight to stop it should be applauded.

Please take a moment to contact your representative to let them know either how proud you are of them for voting against CAFTA or how disappointed you are in them for voting for it. Your voice makes a difference.

Against CAFTA :

Diana DeGette : (303) 844-4988, (202) 225-4431

Tom Tancredo : (202) 225-7882, (720) 283-9772

Mark Udall : (303) 650-7820, (202) 225- 2161

John Salazar : (202) 225-4761, (970) 245-7107

For CAFTA

Bob Beauprez : (202) 225-2645, (303) 940-5821

Joel Hefley : (719) 520-0055, (202) 225-4422

Marilyn Musgrave : (202) 225-4676, (970) 663-3536

U.S. Congress Extends Plan Colombia

On August 1 st , the State Department decided that Colombia met US criteria for good human rights conditions under US Law. This disappointing and untrue assessment of human rights in Colombia is unfortunate. The McGovern-McCollum-Moore amendment to cut $100 million in military aid to Colombia did not succeed in passing, losing 186-234. This ultimately means that the failing Plan Colombia will be extended into 2006. The US will be sending $735 million to Colombia, making it the top recipient of US aid outside of the Middle East. In addition, the passing of Plan Colombia for another year, 25% of US military aid to Colombia that was frozen since 2004 is now being sent to Colombia under false pretenses. 75% of aid is sent every year to Colombia without questions, while the other 25% is withheld to make sure Colombia abides by human rights conditions set by the US. These funds were originally withheld from Colombia because of a lack of progress in cases involving abuses by the Colombian military. Although two cases involving the extrajudicial executions of trade unionists were advanced they are moving slowly while other cases go nowhere. US aid, however, is being released regardless. The State is required to meet with human rights organizations such as the Latin American Working Group and Amnesty International before releasing the 25% and although these organizations urged the US to continue to withhold aid, their call was not heeded

The US has also agreed to aid Colombia in President Uribe's “Justice and Peace Plan” which is an unfortunate degradation to the progress of human rights in Colombia. This plan forges negotiations with illegal paramilitary forces to demobilize. These paramilitary forces have committed extensive human rights abuses as well as drug trafficking crimes. If they agree to demobilize they will virtually be held unaccountable for their crimes. The plan does not require that they fully dismantle their organizations and prosecutors will only have 60 days to investigate and charge paramilitaries for their crimes, these types of investigations can take a year or two to complete thus 60 day is completely inadequate. This plan is an insult to all who have suffered under paramilitary actions.

We should take a moment to address the fact that although aid to Colombia was released the issue was the most hotly debated issue dealing with foreign relations. This demonstrates a mounting awareness for the failure of Plan Colombia and the terrible conditions of human rights in Colombia.

We give thanks to the following representatives who voted in favor of cutting aid to Colombia: