Speech #1030117075

I still have several concems about the NAFTA. but I have concluded that its promise outweighs Its risk. and that passage of this agreement will be good for Americans. and will best promote Americas interest in a challenging new global environment. For me. this conclusion has not been an easy one to reach. and comes only after Intense discussion with advocates on both sides and careful analysis of several fundamental questions. These are: (1) Will the NAFTA resuit in increased job opportunities for American workers. especially in New York? (2) Will American wages and benefits remain strong despite increased integration with the Mexican economy? (3) Will the NAFTA reduce the flow of illegal immigration? (4) Will the benefits of the NAFTA result in rising living standards for the average Mexican worker? (5) Will the NAFTA expand our trilateral commitment to environmental protection and essential health standards? (6) Will our global leadership and trading leverage be strengthened by NAFTAs passage? (7) Will the NAFTA preserve the role of collective bargaining in our country? And (8) Will the NAFTA reaffirm our basic national commitment to the expansion of freedom. democracy and human rights? On balance.