The Bush administration's proposed free trade agreement with Central American nations was met with a barrage of objections from senators this week, signaling a hard road ahead.
Tough questions about the Central American Free Trade Agreement came from both free-trade Democrats and Republicans whose support the administration needs for the pact with Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said the agreement would destroy the U.S. sugar industry. Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., meanwhile, warned increased CAFTA sugar exports could set an unhealthy precedent for future trade deals with Brazil and Argentina.