The passage of CAFTA yesterday will ship American jobs overseas and jeopardize 27,000 workers in Louisiana. In our state, $2 billion a year in economic impact has just been dropped from the frying pan straight into the fire.

Right now our country's biggest export is our jobs and CAFTA will send even more of them to Central America. This is an economic development program in the wrong country, and American workers deserve better.

I have agreed with the President on many issues but I could not be more disappointed with his decision today to press this unfair trade agreement and abandon the 27,000 Louisianians who depend on sugar for their livelihoods.

Make no mistake about it, today marks the day that Washington politicians and large multi-national corporations shipped 27,000 jobs out of Louisiana, failed to protect the workers of fragile developing nations from dangerous working conditions, and weakened America's economic security.

I am proud that I worked with Democrats and Republicans all over the nation to fight this unfair trade deal. I will continue to fight for the sugar farmers of this country in every way I can.

Today was a disappointment. But tomorrow I will wake up and continue to do what I've done every day since being elected: Look for every new opportunity and avenue to provide support to the people of Louisiana. I will not let this discourage me from fighting for my district.

This weekend, I will be returning to Louisiana and Peachy and I really look forward to seeing everyone. We will be in every part of the district for most of August. If anyone has any ideas or events that I need to be at, please contact me.

Thanks for all your support.
Charlie