Speech #980070667

Economic uncertainty creates conditions which Cuba and others seek to exploit through terrorism and subversion. Moderate leaders in the area are already in Jeopardy. New regimes could open military facilities to our enemies. The nations of the Caribbean and Central America are the second most important source of immigration to the United States. Economic collapse and political instability will inevitably add to this pressure. Efforts to check illegal immigration are complex and costly. It is in our own national interest to resolve the longstanding economic miseries of this region right now. H.R. 2769 provides trade opportunities and incentives for more investment. more production. and more jobs in the Caribbean area.