U.S. Senate Passes Peru Trade Bill
The U.S. Senate passed the Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, known as the PTPA Act, on Dec. 4 in a 77–18 vote.
The measure now goes to President Bush, who has indicated he will sign it into law in January.
The American Apparel and Footwear Association supports the PTPA and urged speedy adoption of the measure, which will replace the existing trade agreement for Peru, the Andean Trade Preference Act, which expires at the end of February.
The bill drew criticism from Democrats, who argued that it would hurt U.S. jobs, while many Republicans argued for its passage, noting that the measure will open up export opportunities for U.S. companies.
Sen. Pat Roberts (R–Kan.), who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, as well as the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, said quot;The Peru FTA levels the playing field and opens up two-way trade between our two countries.quot;
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D–Nev.) said he reluctantly opposes the agreement but praises its human-rights provisions.
quot;For the first time ever, a trade agreement will include an enforceable obligation for each country to respect core, internationally recognized labor standards,quot; Reid said in a statement released following the vote. quot;I hope that this new provision will have a dramatic impact over time.quot;—Alison A. Nieder
