As an economic development expert, small businessman, former state legislator, and former president of the Louisiana sugar cane industry's trade association, I know that job creation begins with education.
I know that families and small businesses can't survive without affordable healthcare. I've been a leader in the fight against harmful trade policies like CAFTA that hurt the 27,000 job and $2 billion sugar industry that I formerly represented.
Source: Campaign Website, MelanconforCongress.org
Nov 2, 2004
Voted NO on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade.
To implement the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement. A vote of YES would:
Progressively eliminate customs duties on all originating goods traded among the participating nations
Preserve U.S. duties on imports of sugar goods over a certain quota
Remove duties on textile and apparel goods traded among participating nations
Prohibit export subsidies for agricultural goods traded among participating nations
Provide for cooperation among participating nations on customs laws and import licensing procedures
Encourage each participating nation to adopt and enforce laws ensuring high levels of sanitation and environmental protection
Recommend that each participating nation uphold the International Labor Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
Urge each participating nation to obey various international agreements regarding intellectual property rights
Reference: CAFTA Implementation Bill;
Bill HR 3045
; vote number 2005-443
on Jul 28, 2005
