WASHINGTON – U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman thanked former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for his strong letter of support today for the U.S.-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) sent to the Chairmen and Ranking Members on the key Senate and House trade committees.

"President Jimmy Carter knows Central America well. He understands that CAFTA-DR is not only a great agreement for Americans, it’s a great agreement for our friends and neighbors because it will promote economic growth, development and support democracy," said Portman. "President Carter’s voice of support is an important contribution to the debate in Congress, and his letter will inform Members as they consider CAFTA-DR in the coming weeks. As President Carter stated: ‘If the U.S. Congress were to turn its back on CAFTA, it would undercut these fragile democracies, compel them to retreat to protectionism, and make it harder for them to cooperate with the U.S.’"

"I want to thank President Carter for taking a strong public stand in support of CAFTA-DR, and I look forward to working with him as the agreement moves through Congress," added Portman.

President Carter’s letter was addressed to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Max Baucus and House Ways and Means Ranking Member Charlie Rangel.

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