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WHAT WE'RE THINKING
The following opinion pieces were written by researchers, fellows or scholars.
The research and views expressed in these opinion pieces are those of the individual(s),
and do not necessarily represent the views of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.
Monday, November 20, 2006
U.S.–Latin American Relations In The Wake Of The November Elections
Erika de la Garza, Program Director, Latin American Initiative
For several years, relations with Latin America have been placed on the back burner of U.S. foreign policy. With the Democratic Party gaining control over both houses of Congress as a result of the recent elections, the situation is unlikely to change, the main exception being the negotiation of free trade agreements.
President Bush’s trade policy has been one of actively pursuing free trade agreements, which he claims promote freedom and democracy. Shortly after taking office, he succeeded in having Congress approve Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)—also known as “Fast Track” during the Clinton administration—which expires in July 2007. In the last five years, Congress approved free trade agreements with 12 different countries, of which seven are in Latin America. However, Democrats who have opposed free trade agreements such as the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) will now chair powerful congressional committees, making both TPA extension extremely unlikely and the approval of the pending agreements with Peru and Colombia highly uncertain.
Regarding bilateral relations with Mexico, the effect of the Democrats’ enhanced political clout will most likely be to bring the two countries closer. Given the Republicans’ lead in pushing ahead the construction of the 700-mile wall along the U.S.–Mexican border and their general treatment of illegal immigrants as criminals, the Latino vote in the November elections favored the Democrats. According to an exit poll by CNN, 73% of Hispanics voted for Democratic candidates. And in Mexico, the Democrats’ victory has been well received. Adding to the momentum last week were comments made by former President Clinton during his trip to Monterrey, Mexico. He said that no wall could come between the two countries and that he would love to be President Calderón’s economic advisor.
President Bush’s trade policy has been one of actively pursuing free trade agreements, which he claims promote freedom and democracy. Shortly after taking office, he succeeded in having Congress approve Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)—also known as “Fast Track” during the Clinton administration—which expires in July 2007. In the last five years, Congress approved free trade agreements with 12 different countries, of which seven are in Latin America. However, Democrats who have opposed free trade agreements such as the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) will now chair powerful congressional committees, making both TPA extension extremely unlikely and the approval of the pending agreements with Peru and Colombia highly uncertain.
Regarding bilateral relations with Mexico, the effect of the Democrats’ enhanced political clout will most likely be to bring the two countries closer. Given the Republicans’ lead in pushing ahead the construction of the 700-mile wall along the U.S.–Mexican border and their general treatment of illegal immigrants as criminals, the Latino vote in the November elections favored the Democrats. According to an exit poll by CNN, 73% of Hispanics voted for Democratic candidates. And in Mexico, the Democrats’ victory has been well received. Adding to the momentum last week were comments made by former President Clinton during his trip to Monterrey, Mexico. He said that no wall could come between the two countries and that he would love to be President Calderón’s economic advisor.
