Central American Free Trade Agreement Bill

[Q]

Since I am an "Atlasia First" man, I will not support this bill.

[Q]

Bottom line: if this bill passes, yet more of Atlasia's manufacturing base will be siphoned to other countries.

Is that something we can afford?

[Q]

The Vice President makes some very persuasive points, and the historical references to unsuccessful protectionist policies cause this Senator some concern.  However, absent specific economic data or projections regarding the impact of this proposed CAFTA, this Senator believes that maintaining the status quo in Atlasia's trade policy is a safer strategy, economically speaking, than embarking on an uncertain path by passing this bill.  Perhaps the Secretary of the Treasury could predict the economic fallout of this bill?

[Q]

80% of the tariff barriers in question have already been lifted; the remaining 20% (which relate to agricultural products like sugar, not manufacturing) will be phased out over the next 10 years.

So this bill would only lift the approximately 20% of tariffs that remain, those covering agriculture only?  So it would be safe to say that Atlasia currently has no tariffs on manufactured goods?

[Q]

Nay

[Q]

This is not a debate question, but rather a personal question I have.  If the appropriate Senators respond, then I ask that this question not have the effect of extending debate:

Does each of the Senators that supports CAFTA also support NAFTA?

[Q]

Thank you kindly, Senators MasterJedi and True Independent.

I would be gratified if PBrunsel, DanielX, and ColinW would also provide their opinions on this matter.

[Q]

Do you wish to hear my opinion on NAFTA, Senator Q?

I believe you have made your position sufficiently clear, Senator Conniption McRage.

[Q]

With a recent poll showing little more than one-third of Atlasian citizens supporting this bill, I remain convinced that it is not in the best interest of our Republic to pass such a bill at this time.

[Q]

I would just like the Senate to know that I have made an offer (several days ago) to certain other Senators that will hopefully end this farce.

Could you please elaborate?

[Q]

Abstain

[Q]

Nay