Statement on Chile/Singapore trade treaty votes

By U.S. Congressman David Wu

Yesterday I voted to support the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement and voted against the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Because these trade agreements are so similar, I think it is important that I provide my constituents an explanation of why I cast my votes the way I did. I support a policy of vibrant free trade.

I voted in support of the Chilean trade agreement because it will open up markets to U.S. companies and create jobs for Oregonians.

Chile is a free and open democracy that maintains a strong relationship with the United States.

Singapore, however, is a closed society governed by a single-party authoritarian government.

I voted the way I did because I believe we should use our financial leverage to enhance open democracy around the world and not use it to support authoritarian states simply because they have market-based economies.

We ought to have free trade with free people.

Home | About