Iowa’s U.S. senators split their vote last night on the Central America Free Trade Agreement, or CAFTA, which passed on a 54-to-45 vote. Democrat Tom Harkin says he’s supported most major free trade agreements during his three decades in Congress, but Harkin adds there are more reasons to oppose CAFTA than to support it. Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, voted with the majority — in favor of CAFTA. Grassley says the agreement levels the playing field for U.S. exporters. He says farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and service providers will get a better deal in the six Latin American countries than they have today. Harkin and Grassley agree CAFTA faces a tougher test in the House where critics vow to defeat it.
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