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 eco-
nomic 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 Rep-
resentatives that the United States should adhere to 
moral and ethical principles of economic justice and fair-
ness in developing and advancing United States inter-
national trade treaties, agreements, and investment poli-
cies.
Whereas all human beings, regardless of any distinction, 
share the same intrinsic and inalienable rights and dig-
nity; 
Whereas international trade operates according to economic 
logic but without an ethic;
•HRES 115 IH 
Whereas international trade and investment should respect 
the rights of people above markets and involve the mean-
ingful 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 de-
cisions 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
Resolved, That henceforth the House of Representa-
tives will adhere to the following principles in evaluating, 
approving, and advancing all United States trade and in-
vestment treaties, agreements, and policies:
•HRES 115 IH 
(1) International trade and investment systems 
should respect and support the dignity of the human 
person, the integrity of creation, and our common 
humanity. 
(2) International trade and investment activities 
should advance the common good and be evaluated 
in the light of their impact on those who are most 
vulnerable. 
(3) International trade and investment policies 
and decisions should be transparent and should in-
volve the meaningful participation of the most vul-
nerable stakeholders. 
(4) International trade and investment systems 
should respect the legitimate role of government, in 
collaboration with civil society, to set policies regard-
ing the development and welfare of its people. 
(5) International trade and investment systems 
should safeguard the global commons and respect 
the right of local communities to protect and 
sustainably develop their natural resources.
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