Peru trade is up for a vote

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The U.S. Senate began debating a free-trade agreement with Peru on Monday, its first day back after a two-week Thanksgiving break. The agreement, negotiated by the Bush administration, would immediately eliminate duties on about two-thirds of U.S. farm exports and about 80% of industrial exports.

Supporters estimate that it could increase American exports by $1 billion a year. But advocates for the poor are urging senators to oppose the deal. ‘Free trade has forced many Mexican farmers off their land, causing them to move to Mexican cities and cross the border to find ways to support themselves and their families,’ said the California-based nonprofit Food First. ‘These trade agreements do not improve the lives of the majority of the citizens of the countries that the U.S. signs agreements with.’

Senate approval would allow President Bush to sign the pact into law.

Posted by Nicole Gaouette in Washington