House Passes CAFTA; Gives Bush His Biggest Win, and Farm Animals Biggest Loss - Cow-Calf Weekly, 7/28/05

On July 28, the US House of Representatives voted
217-215 to pass the US Central America-Dominican
Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), widely
recognized as favorable to animal farmers. USDA
Secretary Johans called the passage "an immensely
positive step for America's farmers and ranchers. The
agreement eliminates barriers to our producers and
greatly improves our competitiveness in these
markets." Opponents fear that CAFTA-DR will undermine
Central America's domestic industries and encourage
the use of US-based farming practices including higher
concentration of animals.