Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement following the passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) by the United States House of Representatives:

“I applaud the leadership shown in the House of Representatives by members who voted to support President Bush’s trade agenda in our hemisphere. Passage of CAFTA will further integrate our markets with Central America, create larger markets for U.S. products and improve our ability to compete more effectively around the world.

“CAFTA is an historic opportunity to spread freedom and democracy in our hemisphere while creating jobs at home and abroad.

“President Bush’s vision of free and fair trade in the Americas will help secure democracy in our neighborhood while securing our national and economic security.”

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