IV 

109TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 115

Expressing the sense of the United States House of Representatives that 

the United States should adhere to moral and ethical principles of economic justice and fairness in developing and advancing United States 

international trade treaties, agreements, and investment policies. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

FEBRUARY 16, 2005

Ms. KAPTUR submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on 

International Relations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the 

Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within 

the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the United States House of Representatives that the United States should adhere to 

moral and ethical principles of economic justice and fairness in developing and advancing United States international trade treaties, agreements, and investment policies.

Whereas all human beings, regardless of any distinction, 

share the same intrinsic and inalienable rights and dignity; 

Whereas international trade operates according to economic 

logic but without an ethic; 
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Whereas international trade and investment should respect 

the rights of people above markets and involve the meaningful participation of those affected by trade; 

Whereas international trade and investment should uphold 

international labor rights and promote the advancement 

of women in social and economic development; 

Whereas hundreds of millions of workers worldwide labor 

under inhumane conditions in sweatshops, often linked to 

multinational corporations, without a sustainable wage, 

basic benefits, or collective bargaining rights; 

Whereas international trade and investment should advance 

democratic principles, broad-based equality, sustainable 

human development, and poverty alleviation and secure 

the Earth’s natural environment; 

Whereas international trade and investment should respect 

the right and responsibility of people to maintain the 

global commons through the sustainable use of their local 

and traditional resources; 

Whereas government exists to serve the needs of society and 

has an essential role in setting priorities and making decisions about trade and investment in order to advance 

the common good; and 

Whereas exclusive reliance on market liberalization and free 

trade often exacerbates economic and social inequalities 

within and between countries: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That henceforth the House of Representa2 tives will adhere to the following principles in evaluating, 

3 approving, and advancing all United States trade and in4 vestment treaties, agreements, and policies: 
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•HRES 115 IH 

1 (1) International trade and investment systems 

2 should respect and support the dignity of the human 

3 person, the integrity of creation, and our common 

4 humanity. 

5 (2) International trade and investment activities 

6 should advance the common good and be evaluated 

7 in the light of their impact on those who are most 

8 vulnerable. 

9 (3) International trade and investment policies 

10 and decisions should be transparent and should in11 volve the meaningful participation of the most vul12 nerable stakeholders. 

13 (4) International trade and investment systems 

14 should respect the legitimate role of government, in 

15 collaboration with civil society, to set policies regard16 ing the development and welfare of its people. 

17 (5) International trade and investment systems 

18 should safeguard the global commons and respect 

19 the right of local communities to protect and 

20 sustainably develop their natural resources.

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