Based on the failed model of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), CAFTA would expand corporate rights over some of the poorest countries in the region, including Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic.

If passed, the Central American Free Trade Agreement would undermine workers rights, drive countless family farmers off their land, and expose communities throughout Central America and the U.S. to privatization of essential public services like water, electricity, health care and education.

Still worse, the agreement would serve as a stepping-stone to the larger and more dangerous Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The FTAA would expand NAFTA to include every country in North America, Central America and South America except Cuba.

Republicans were not able to send CAFTA to Congress for a vote during the 2004 election year, but will try to pass it in 2005 - while voters aren't watching. Members of Congress are doing all they can to avoid taking a position on CAFTA before the bill is sent to the floor. But the only thing standing between President Bush and a vote on CAFTA is you. Take Action to Stop CAFTA

Whether the vote is now, next month or never we need our Members of Congress to take a stand against the failed free trade model and demand a new approach to trade that respects human rights. Call your representatives today and urge them to oppose CAFTA and any other trade agreement that does not include enforceable labor and environmental protections.

You can call your representatives toll free at the Capitol Switchboard,
1-800-839-5276.