On the key issues where Congress has an important role to play in foreign policy--considering trade agreements and conducting oversight--a Democratic take over of the House or Senate would be an unfortunate development for Latin America. First, the Democratic caucus is absolutely allergic to trade agreements.
My guess is that Democratic leadership would draw a line against even relatively straightforward accords with Peru or Panama. Due to labor rights concerns, an agreement with Colombia would probably be shelved indefinitely. Indeed, they would probably deny President Bush trade promotion authority for the duration of his tenure.
They might make a sole exception for a Doha agreement, but the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas would be unsalvageable.
Ironically, Democrats who unfairly criticize Bush's regional policy as being about nothing but trade would not even be able to offer trade. Second, the Democrats are clearly obsessed with portraying Iraq as a Bush failure.
It is inconceivable to me that they will focus any energy or attention on the interests of Latin America. To the extent that they do discuss the region, I am concerned that knee-jerk partisan criticism will make Venezuela the center of attention, distracting attention from the positive partnerships with the rest of the region's responsible leaders.
Roger F. Noriega is a visiting scholar at AEI.
