Four Arrested Trying to Get Trade Vote Commitment from Earl Blumenauer

Over 25 people occupied Representative Earl Blumenauer's office in protest of his probable vote for the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA). . Earl did indeed vote "yes" Tuesday morning, and the deal passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Over 25 people occupied Representative Earl Blumenauer's office in protest of his probable vote for the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Four were arrested when they refused to leave unless Earl committed to voting NO on the NAFTA-style trade deal. Earl did indeed vote "yes" Tuesday morning, and the deal passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee. Dan Denvir, Laurie King, Amanda Shank and Pete Shaw were charged with criminal trespassing and released Monday evening.

Activists blockaded the doorway with bags of corn and rice, examples of the highly-subsidized and artificially cheap U.S. agricultural products that would be dumped on the Peruvian market if the FTA passes. Tens of thousands, if not millions, of campesinos will be driven off their land if they are undercut by US agribusiness.

Blumenauer sits on the Ways and Means Committee but has refused to comment publicly on how he will vote. Unfortunately, it looks like he will vote for this latest piece of the Bush Trade Agenda. Trade (behind impeachment) was the second most discussed issue at Sunday's Town Hall meeting. Earl refused to comment on the impending vote, even after being asked directly several times.

Working people in the United States and Peru have a lot to lose fromneoliberal trade deals. PCASC activist Megan Hise interviewed Peruvianlabor and campesino leaders in this video, documenting the harm the Peru FTA will cause. Two months ago, four million Peruvian campesinos went on
strike against the FTA. Watch here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=BX8ucJfL9cg

Call his office (503) 231-2300, and let him know how you feel about the Bush Trade Agenda, and today's likely vote on the Peru Free Trade Agreement.

Tel: 503-236-7916