Bronx Congressman Jose Serrano voted against the proposed free trade agreement with Peru last week. Traditionally, Democrats have mostly opposed free trade agreements, but this time they were split over the issue.
The agreement passed in the House on Nov. 8, by a vote of 285-132.
Serrano cited environmental and labor concerns for his opposition to the proposed measure. In a press release, Serrano said he felt the Peru agreement might be detrimental to the United States and its trading partners because it has potential to foster unequal competition between the countries and force low-income workers out of their jobs and off their land.
Serrano also felt that this bill could exploit the South American country’s natural resources and "degrade the environment beyond repair." Serrano says he wants an agreement developed "that helps the people at home and abroad without causing more problems than it solves."
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