EMERSON LENDS HIS SUPPORT TO NAFTA

The North American Free Trade Agreement will greatly open up export markets for the United States, expand the nation's economy, and be a step toward developing a tremendous advantage over Asia in accessing Latin American markets, U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson said Friday.

For that reason, the Cape Girardeau Republican announced at a press conference that he would vote for the controversial treaty Wednesday when it comes up in the House.

Emerson stressed that his decision was not easy, but he believes it will provide the United States a new method for serving as a leader of the world.

"I doubt this will be the most popular vote I've ever cast, but I believe most sincerely it is the right vote," said Emerson. "I've endeavored to answer all of the questions that have been asked of me to satisfaction in my own conscience, on behalf of my constituency."

Emerson explained that with the end of the Cold War, there is a recognition that the next century will be much different from the current one. In that different world, the congressman said: "This vote will help position the U.S. to continue to be the strongest, most inspirational leader on the face of the earth -- through trade, not aid; through peaceful development, rather than conflict of war."

In reaching his decision, Emerson said he met with President Clinton, many members of the cabinet, colleagues, President Salinas of Mexico and members of his cabinet, as well as business and agriculture leaders in the district and country.

Said Emerson: "Given the level of controversy, confusion, emotion, support, opposition, and general questioning about this issue I have not arrived at my decision lightly. I have tried to sift through all of the rhetoric and opinions to come to grips with the facts, and this I believe I have done."

Emerson quoted a statement by Benjamin Franklin that said no nation was ever ruined by trade, and a comment from President Kennedy that "a rising tide lifts all ships." These are "principles on which we should all focus as we consider the North American Free Trade Agreement," he said.

Of the nine U.S. House members from Missouri, Emerson is one of two that has endorsed NAFTA. The other is Rep. Mel Hancock, R-Springfield. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Lexington, is the lone member of Missouri's delegation still undecided.

Both of Missouri's senators -- John Danforth and Kit Bond -- have said they will vote for the treaty.

Going into the weekend, many members of Congress who had been undecided were announcing their position on NAFTA as Emerson did. The weekend also provided a final opportunity to interest groups who are opposed to the treaty to head off strong efforts by the administration to win passage.

Just after Emerson completed his news conference, a fax from Chris Lockwood, field director for the Missouri Public Interest Research Group, indicated that it planned to have members canvassing Cape Girardeau this weekend outlining the bad environmental impact of NAFTA. The group planned to urge residents to send letters to Emerson asking him to change his mind.

Emerson acknowledged at his press conference that there are environmental concerns, but the congressman did not present those concerns as being a major factor in his decision.

Said Emerson: "This NAFTA agreement will require each country to enforce its own standards related to protection of human, plant, and animal health from risk. This agreement also makes it clear that NAFTA does not give any country the authority to undertake environmental enforcement activities in another country."

A Commission for Environmental Cooperation is established through a side agreement, providing a method for appeal if someone believes a country is not enforcing its own laws. Emerson said he is concerned that this opens a new avenue, outside of U.S. courts and administrative reviews, for registering complaints about U.S. laws.

Emerson said he has been assured by U.S. officials, and will keep a close watch personally, to insure that trade efforts are not hampered "by any individuals or groups that wish to impose an irresponsible `environmental' agenda on the nation as a whole."

Emerson said he is unsure what the final vote will be on Wednesday but expected it to be close. Emerson observed that media reports about the status of the vote are fairly accurate. At this point, there are not enough "yes" votes in the House, but the congressman added things may be moving toward passage.

"I am sorry the president did not get out in front earlier because I think there is a very serious hurdle to get over to get it passed next Wednesday, although that tide may be changing," said Emerson.

"I see trade as the great opportunity as we look to the future. I'm excited about those prospects, not only for our country but for our region of the country. I'm always interested in opening doors because I believe opening the doors to trade will result in raising the quality of life for all of our people."

Emerson said in his meeting with President Clinton he asked about the strong opposition from organized labor. Emerson said the president told him labor was "playing the politics of fear, rather than the politics of hope."

Emerson believes concerns that NAFTA would result in companies moving to Mexico where wage rates are low are unfounded. He pointed out that some companies have already left, even without NAFTA.

Said Emerson: "That may have been a factor in the past that some American firms located in Mexico, to have closer access to Mexican markets. But I think the factor about lower wages is not going to have much of an impact anymore. The fact of the matter is that wage rates are tied to productivity. The American producers are among the most productive in the world and wage rates are a small factor in the study of why companies go to Mexico."

Passage of NAFTA will provide a big boost for agriculture, Emerson pointed out. Department of Agriculture projections are that agricultural exports will increase by $480 million annually and U.S. farm income will increase by $200 million a year. In Missouri alone, the department estimates show that 4,000 jobs are supported by farm trade with Mexico, and passage of NAFTA will create an additional 1,600 jobs.

With port authorities located along the Mississippi River, and improved highways, Emerson said the 8th District will be poised to take advantage of increased trade opportunities.

"We have the products, we have the transportation, we have the ports, and most important, they have the market demand for our products both in raw materials and processed goods."

Emerson stressed that "a growing economy is dependent on trade," and that "expanding our balance of trade and our economic opportunities abroad is one foolproof method toward the elimination of our massive federal debt."

If this trade arrangement is not solidified, Emerson said he fears Asians and Europeans will erode American markets in this hemisphere, leaving Americans virtually isolated.

"A very major concern I have is that if NAFTA is defeated, Mexico may look to Japan for a free trade agreement, and offer them preferential access to its market," said Emerson. "Similarly, without NAFTA, Asian countries will increasingly seek to export to Mexico and the rest of Latin America, chipping away at our ability to dominate those growing markets."

From his visit to Mexico, Emerson said it is clear that there is strong demand for American products. He noted that Mexicans spend 15 cents of every dollar on U.S. goods and American goods are regarded as a "superior product."

"NAFTA will be the first step toward a hemispheric trading bloc, giving us a tremendous advantage over Asia in accessing all Latin American markets," summed up Emerson.