Kaptur Introduces NAFTA Accountability Act

"For nearly fourteen years, NAFTAhas reneged on its promises, bringing even more poverty and job loss tocommunities across the continent," Kaptur said. "I join my colleagues from Maine to Californiain demanding a new, equitable model for free trade among free peoples."

Nancy Boyda (D-KS), a leadingcosponsor, added, "NAFTA is dragging down our economy, weakening our borders,and devastating our manufacturers. After fourteen years, it's time to eitherfix NAFTA or get the heck out of it."

"Since its enactment, NAFTA hasfailed to deliver the economic success that it initially promised," said DuncanHunter (R-CA). "Our growing tradedeficits with Mexico and Canada, and thecontinued loss of American jobs provide enough evidence to indicate that NAFTAjust isn't working. It is time that weaccept this reality and begin renegotiating this trade agreement to better andmore fairly serve America'sinterests."

The bill notes that the U.S. has accumulated a staggering trade deficitwith Mexico and Canada since the agreement's implementation, thedetrimental environmental consequences, the increase in vehicle, drug, andlabor traffic across borders, as well as the dramatic loss of decent jobs andliving wages across North America.

The bill would require the ExecutiveBranch to certify that certain benchmarks, many that had been initiallypromised by proponents of the agreement, have been met by the three countries,or the President would be required to withdraw from NAFTA. These benchmarks include gains in U.S. jobs and living standards, increased U.S. domestic manufacturing, stronger health andenvironmental standards, especially with respect to food imports, decreasedflow of illegal drugs from Mexicoand Canada,and the guarantee of Mexican democracy and human freedoms.

The bill is co-sponsored by RepresentativesBoyda, Hunter, Phil Hare (D-IL), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Mike Michaud (D-ME),Tim Ryan (D-OH), Betty Sutton (D-OH), and Raùl Grijalva (D-AZ).