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TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO RESCIND THE DECISIONS TO JOIN THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT AND THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.
Whereas, the North American Free Trade Agreement was enacted to remove the trade barriers on most goods produced and sold in North America and to establish more stringent environmental restrictions to decrease pollution in North America; and
Whereas, the actual impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement is that a number of American factories have closed and moved to other countries where the average wage is lower than that of the United States; and
Whereas, environmental restrictions placed on the United States by the North American Free Trade Agreement have inhibited the growth of industry in America, while other countries with fewer environmental restrictions are attracting industry; and
Whereas, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was enacted to provide an international forum that encouraged free trade between member states; and in 1994, environmental regulations were attached to the agreement in an attempt to reduce pollution worldwide; and
Whereas, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade has had a negative impact on the economy of the United States because the average wage in America is not competitive with the much lower average wages of some of the other member states. Tough environmental restrictions also have caused a downturn for the American economy, by hindering the efforts of industry to expand; and
Whereas, valuable intellectual property rights in the United States are also threatened by changes made to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, allowing premature publication of patent applications and a decrease in the lifespan of our patents; and
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly urges the Congress of the United States to rescind its decisions to join the North American Free Trade Agreement and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, both of which have effected tough restrictions on the environment and trade and have resulted in a serious economic downturn in the American economy. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly memorialize the Congress of the United States to rescind its decisions to join the North American Free Trade Agreement and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
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