Oman Trade Deal:Flawed for Workers &U.S. National Security

[Monkeyman]

Right now the House is voting on H.R.5684,US-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implement Act. This act would require market liberalization for most U.S. goods and services in Oman, and increase U.S. market access for certain Omani sectors and industries,including textiles,Most Democrats oppose OFTA because it underminds fundamental wokers' rights and includes a provision that threatens our national security.

This pact is extremely problematic--containing language,intentionlly hidden in the agreement,that compromises our national security and could provide a back door route for forign interest to own or manage operations at our ports

Specifically,it allows a "right of establishment" to any company based in Oman.That would present an avenue for Dubai Ports World,or any other company with dubious ties, to set up a small operation in Oman and then lay claim to a U.S port. The United States could block a port acquisition only by claiming national security interest,but it would be up to an international tribunal to determine if such a move was justified.

We should not support any trade agreement that limits our national security authority regarding critical and sensitive infrastructure,such as our ports. If we are really serious about national security,especially given the bi-partisan outrage over the Dubai Ports World situation earlier this year ,we must delete this outrageous loophole.

This vote is not so much about trade as about security: Our homeland security and our national security regarding threats of terrorism against our nation and our people.

Trade agreements should provide real gains for U.S. workers,consumers,and businesses,while supporting econmic development,and the rule of law in our trading partners.

The United States,with its unrivaled purchasing power and its enormous clout, is in a unique position to help raise living standards in developing countries,while promoting prosperity at home.

Trade agreements must be done in a bi-partisan fashion and in a way that brings the benefits of trade to American Workers

This Oman agreement continues the Republican failed record in trade. Republican are selling our Country bit by bit. And leaving the American worker and Middle Class behind. Here are three links to show you how the Replugs have sold us out.

http://www.democraticleader.house.gov/30something/posters/foreign.map.pdf

http://www.democraticleader.house.gov/30something/posters/foreigndept.pdf


http://www.democraticleader.house.gov/30something/posters.html

[redqueen]

1. Great post!

:thumbsup:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1673740&mesg_id=1673740

[Monkeyman]

2. Thanks