Washington, D.C – This morning Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz voted in support of the Peru Free Trade Agreement. The agreement passed Congress 285 to 132.

As a member on the Committee on Ways and Means, Schwartz helped lead efforts to secure the passage of this key agreement.

During floor debate on the trade agreement, Schwartz delivered the following remarks.

“Madame Speaker, I rise in support of the Peru Free Trade Agreement, which passed the Ways and Means Committee last week with an impressive unanimous vote. This agreement represents a new direction for trade policy in the United States. 

“For the first time, the trade agreement before us includes fully-enforceable labor and environmental standards.  The lack of these standards was exactly why many Democrats, including myself, opposed the Central American Free Trade Agreement in 2005. 

“Inclusion of such standards is a significant achievement and will mean better working conditions for millions of workers and a cleaner environment in Peru, and expanded economic opportunity for both of our countries. 
That is why so many organizations that have previously opposed bi-lateral trade agreements have praised the Peru FTA. 

“For instance:

“The AFL-CIO called the Peru FTA, ‘an important step toward a trade model that will benefit working people;’

“The United Autoworkers said the agreement represents ‘substantial progresses in achieving this longstanding objective of the labor movement;’ and

“The Natural Resources Defense Council said the agreement provides “a new model for ensuring that trade agreements promote legitimate trade without encouraging the illegal and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.’

“Chairman Rangel and Chairman Levin did remarkable work to advance a new kind of trade agreement. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish to further this agreement when we met in August with the Peruvian President Alan Garcia. 

“President Garcia is a true friend to the United States, and building a strong economic relationship with Peru will also build a stronger political and diplomatic relationship with this important ally in Latin America.

“Every member who votes for this agreement today can leave this Chamber proud that they supported a fair trade agreement that represents the interests of Americans. I urge a ‘Yes’ vote on this pro-labor, pro-business, and pro-environment, new trade agreement with Peru.”

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