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Utah Senate adopts resolution urging Congress to delay entering FTAA
Summary
Senate Resolution 1, urging Congress not to enter the Free Trade Area of the Americas 'at this time,' passed after an amendment to clarify timing; advocates cited need for more public discussion while opponents said state legislatures lack full information.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 7 amended and adopted Senate Resolution 1, urging the U.S. Congress not to enter the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) 'at this time' until lawmakers and the public can better understand the agreement’s impacts.
Sponsor Sen. David Thomas argued the resolution was necessary to buy time for debate and to highlight perceived loopholes in the proposed agreement. "It is in fact the argument of why you should vote in favor of this," Thomas said, adding the resolution does not permanently bar participation but seeks further study.
Sen. Bramble voiced opposition, saying the state lacks the information necessary to direct national representatives on international trade policy and worried the resolution would be an overreach. After floor debate and an amendment inserting the phrase "at this time," the body recorded 21 yes votes, 7 nays and 1 absence and the resolution was signed by the president in open session.
The resolution is advisory and expresses the Senate’s recommendation to the federal delegation; it does not change state law or federal negotiations.
