WASHINGTON, July 21 (UPI) -- President Bush pushed the Central American Free Trade Agreement in a speech Thursday before the Organization of American States.
"CAFTA will strengthen those who are taking on the forces of radicalism and violence in this hemisphere, and it will make our country more secure," the president said. "As former governor of a state that shares a long border with Mexico, I know first hand the importance of improving ties with our neighbors. It's really important."
CAFTA has passed the Senate but faces a tough vote in the House next week. Opponents of the bill include Republicans representing southern states with large textile industries.
In his speech, the president suggested that CAFTA would increase employment in the United States by making manufactured goods cheap enough for companies in Central America and the Dominican Republic to buy.
"In other words, this is a jobs program," Bush said.
