Statement of
U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL)
In Support of Peru Free Trade Agreement

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) issued the following statement in support of the Peru Free Trade Agreement following the Mark-Up of the agreement in the House Ways and Means Committee:

"This trade legislation strikes the right balance of providing U.S. access to the Peruvian economy, while protecting labor rights, the environment and ensuring product safety. This is a win-win agreement and a great victory for Florida's economy which benefited from $658 million in total exports to Peru in 2006. This agreement will expand market access to key Florida export industries, such as computer and electronic products, and construction, transportation and agricultural equipment manufacturers. At the same time, Florida's agricultural community will benefit from the immediate elimination of duties on nearly 90 percent of current U.S. trade to Peru. Thanks to the leadership of Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI), the U.S. Congress can pass a trade bill that expands business opportunities while embracing Democratic values."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also serves on the House Committee on Armed Services.

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