Critics Of Colombia Trade Agreement Ignore Facts

Speaker Pelosi Stops The Clock On Trade Agreement, Casts Aside Remarkable Progress By Critical Ally And Ignores Economic Impact Of Decision

Speaker Pelosi has also made clear the she is using this agreement as a political power play, saying "if you're in a conversation with someone and they have all the cards, you're not likely to have a winning hand,' Pelosi told reporters afterward. 'Now the leverage is with us.'" ("House Gives Leaders Power To Stop Fast-Tack Clock," The Politico, 4/10/08)

The need for this trade agreement is too urgent and the stakes for national security are too high for Congress to waste time playing politics with this vote. Congress needs to move forward with the Colombia free trade agreement and approve it as quickly as possible.

House Ways And Means Chairman Charlie Rangel attempts to justify the House's action to delay the vote, by claiming that President Bush "'forgot' to consult with his panel before crafting the proposed deal with Colombia. 'Let's give the House more time to facilitate an atmosphere to allow the members [to] know what's in the bill.'" (Alexander Bolton, "House Adopts Rule Freezing Colombia Trade Deal," The Hill, 4/11/08)

For over a year, President Bush and his Administration have reached out to the House and Senate leadership to build a bipartisan path for consideration of the agreement. The Administration has held more than 400 consultations, meetings and calls on the agreement, led trips to Colombia for more than 50 members of Congress, and worked closely with Congressional leaders from both parties.

The Administration has had at least 27 meetings or calls with Democratic leaders.

Speaker Pelosi calls for additional help for the U.S. economy, but fails to recognize that her decision to block the trade agreement weakens the U.S. economy and isolates U.S. workers from jobs and opportunities around the world. Speaker Pelosi: "We certainly should do more for our own economy before passing another trade agreement." (Nicole Gaouette, "U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Put On Hold," Los Angeles Times, 4/11/08)

According to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, in the over 500 days since the trade agreement was signed, "American exporters have paid more than $1 billion in tariffs. … Without this agreement, American businesses, workers and farmers will lose." (Press Briefing With Cabinet Secretaries, The White House, 4/9/08)

Also, the American Farm Bureau estimates that once the agreement is fully implemented, American agriculture will see $690 million in gains each year, generating another $1.8 billion in economic activity and supporting nearly nine thousand jobs in the U.S.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says not enough progress has been made: "We're concerned about the violence against labor organizers, workers' organizers, in Colombia and we want to see progress made in that direction." (Nancy Pelosi, Weekly Press Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/13/08)

Homicides of labor unionists dropped from approximately 200 in 2001 to fewer than 40 in 2007, according to the Colombia Ministry of Social Production and National Union School. In response to concerns over attacks on trade unionists, President Uribe established an independent prosecutors unit and created a special program to protect labor activists. Today, approximately 1,950 trade unionists are receiving protection under the Colombian Ministry of Interior and Justice's protection program.

Democrats in Congress refuse to acknowledge the significant progress in Colombia. "We believe there must first be concrete evidence of sustained results on the ground in Colombia, and Members of Congress will continue working with all interested parties to help achieve this end before consideration of any FTA." (Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, Charlie Rangel, and Sander Levin, Statement On Trade, 6/29/07)

Under the leadership of President Uribe, Colombia has been a strong and capable partner in fighting drugs, crime, and terror. According to the Colombian Ministry of Defense, since 2002, kidnappings have dropped 83 percent, terrorist attacks have dropped 76 percent, and murders have dropped by 40 percent.

Colombia has established a police presence in each of its 1,099 municipalities.

The Colombian government is continuing to battle narcotics trafficking, which provides the funding base for illegal armed groups. These efforts took 500 metric tons of cocaine off the market in 2006 alone, depriving terrorist groups of hundreds of millions of dollars in funds to buy arms and mount attacks. In addition, the Colombian government has extradited more than 600 narcotics traffickers and terrorists to the United States over the past five years.

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Pelosi-Led Rebuff of Colombia Trade Accord Seen Aiding Chavez

Joshua Goodman and Mark Drajem

Bloomberg

April 11, 2008

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's decision to delay action on a free-trade agreement with Colombia may strengthen Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's campaign against U.S. influence in Latin America, analysts, lawmakers and business groups said.

"This is going to be too hot a potato for Chavez to leave alone," said Gianfranco Bertozzi, an economist with Lehman Brothers Inc. in New York. "He will say the U.S. slammed the door shut on a close ally, more proof that it doesn't have Latin American interests at heart."

The Democratic-controlled House voted 224-195 yesterday to deny President George W. Bush's request for a vote on the trade pact within 90 days, likely postponing action until after the November elections. It is the first time Congress has refused a presidential request to pass a trade agreement.

Pelosi, 68, a California Democrat, said yesterday that the vote gives Democrats "leverage" as talks on trade continue. Bush submitted the legislation because he thought he "had all the cards," Pelosi told reporters after the vote. "We've just won the vote. Now we can talk."

Pelosi was speaking for Democrats who said Bush sent up the legislation without their consent. Democrats also point to what unions call excessive levels of violence against labor organizers in Colombia and say they want to get domestic economic aid programs passed first.

Republicans React

Congressional Republicans said the action plays into the hands of Chavez, who is trying to build an anti-American coalition in the region.

California Republican David Dreier, who led debate before yesterday's vote, referred to the measure as the "Hugo Chavez rule," and other Republican lawmakers said its passage would aid the anti-American leader.

Brendan Daly, a spokesman for Pelosi, said it was "ridiculous" to claim the vote on the accord would benefit Chavez. "This is about getting leverage with the president to get him to address the economic needs of America's families," he said.

Chavez has railed against Colombian President Alvaro Uribe's support for the war on drugs and the White House's free-trade agenda as he seeks to build an anti-American coalition.

Colombian officials are trying to defuse the political fireworks after Chavez sent troops to the border last month in retaliation for the killing of a senior rebel in Ecuador.

'Trade Sanctions'

"Not having a trade agreement is almost like having trade sanctions imposed in the sense that you've been downgraded, or are at least now one level below comparable economies in the continent" that do have trade deals, such as Mexico, Chile, Peru and Central America, Trade Minister Luis Guillermo Plata said in an interview yesterday when asked whether rejection of the accord would embolden Chavez.

Bush, when he sent the agreement to Congress earlier this week, highlighted Colombia's strong support for the war on drugs and steps taken by Uribe to slash some of the world's highest kidnapping and murder rates.

"Despite this progress, Colombia remains under intense pressure in the region. It faces a continuing assault from the terrorist network known as FARC," Bush said at the White House. "Colombia also faces a hostile and anti-American regime in Venezuela which has met with FARC terrorist leaders and deployed troops to the Colombian border as a means of intimidating the Colombian government and its people."

Business groups have also seized on this theme. The Consumer Electronics Association, which represents companies such as Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp., ran advertisements in Capitol Hill newspapers yesterday that showed a smiling Chavez embracing former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

"Please reject the Colombia free-trade agreement!" a cartoon balloon has Chavez saying.

Still, Democrats who oppose the agreement rejected any link between their rejection of it and their diplomatic support for Colombia and Uribe.

Reaction in Colombia has been more muted. Venezuela and Colombia each serve as the other's second-biggest trading partner behind the U.S., with about $4 billion in annual trade.

Even as trade to the U.S. is declining, Colombia's trade surplus to Venezuela surged to $1.8 billion last year as Venezuelans began to rely on basic food staples from its neighbor to make up for production shortfalls.

Growing Dependence

Despite the bonanza, Colombian exporters are worried about the growing dependence on politically unstable Venezuela, after Chavez during last month's row briefly closed the border to Colombian exports.

"The momentum in the Colombian economy during 2008 and 2009 will be affected by the slowdown in U.S. and world economic growth and by possible future problems affecting Venezuela," the central bank said today in minutes of its March 28 board meeting.

Chavez has promoted his Bolivarian Alternative for the People of Our America, known as ALBA, to counter U.S. influence in the region. The alliance was conceived as an alternative to the U.S.-backed Free Trade Area of the Americas, and includes Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Dominica and Venezuela as members.

"Chavez will use this to attack the U.S., to attack free- trade agreements, and to once again turn himself into the hero of anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism," said Milos Alcalay, Venezuela's former ambassador to the United Nations.

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Trade Pandering

Editorial

San Francisco Chronicle

April 11, 2008

Recession's in the air, American exports are enticingly cheap, and Washington could badly use a solid ally in Latin America.

These are all good reasons to support a free-trade pact with Colombia, which the White House has negotiated and brought to Congress.

But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is playing politics by pandering to free-trade foes. Instead of accepting the usual fast-track process of voting up or down on the treaty within 90 days, she plans to rip up these rules and sidetrack the matter.

It's not hard to guess why. She's clearing the field of a painful Democratic dilemma: backing wider trade that unions fear will threaten their jobs. Remember the contorted debate on the eve of the Ohio primary between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton over who was more hard-line in opposing the NAFTA trade treaty with Mexico?

With the Pennsylvania primary coming on April 22, Pelosi would like to remove any chance of an awkward rerun, even if the Colombia pact is far smaller than the NAFTA package. It must be an awkward talk that Pelosi has with herself on free trade: She's from an export-heavy region with ports, open-door universities, worldwide businesses and a diverse population.

Both Democratic front-runners are engaged in the same dance. An Obama aide drew fire for discussing NAFTA with Canadian officials, who reflected in a later memo that the senator's anti-free-trade stance was a pose. Last week, Clinton demoted longtime political savant Mark Penn, who hired himself out as a lobbyist to the Colombian government. Adding to the duplicity is the fact that Clinton's husband favors free trade, including the Colombian deal. The GOP's likely presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, backs the treaty.

It's easy to divert the debate into righteous denunciation of Colombia's dismal human rights record, which includes the harassment and death of union organizers. Also, the White House's congressional approval path plainly stings Pelosi because it calls for a yes-or-no vote on the plan without any House amendments allowed. But these fast-track rules have been the norm since 1994, making the timing of her opposition look even more politically inspired.

The treaty - and the warmer relations it brings - has overwhelming advantages. Approval would show that Washington believes in supporting an ally ready to stand up to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Closer trade ties could cement gains made by Colombia's fragile democratic government.

In an uncertain economic atmosphere, lower tariffs could lay the groundwork for a healthy recovery.

There may be more trouble ahead. A similar plan to lower tariffs with South Korea, a far bigger economic power, is coming next. Pushing that treaty away would be an even bigger mistake.

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"The U.S.-Colombia FTA Should Be Considered By Congress On Its Merits"

"In These Times Of Economic Uncertainty, The Last Thing We Should Do Is Reject A Deal That Advantages American Workers And Firms"

Speaker Pelosi's "Objections Had Nothing To Do With The Evidence And Everything To Do With Politics"

The Wall Street Journal: "The Democratic Party's protectionist make-over was completed yesterday, when Nancy Pelosi decided to kill the Colombia free trade agreement." "Her objections had nothing to do with the evidence and everything to do with politics, but this was an act of particular bad faith. It will damage the economic and security interests of the U.S. while trashing our best ally in Latin America." (Editorial, "Pelosi's Bad Faith," The Wall Street Journal, 4/10/08)

Ø "No one is going to take the U.S. at its word if Congress is going to change the rules when it has second thoughts and renege." "For good measure, the double-cross dismantles the only process that allows any Administration to conduct good-faith negotiations with foreign nations."

The Washington Post: "Economically, it should be a no-brainer – especially at a time of rising U.S. joblessness." "At the moment, Colombian exports to the United States already enjoy preferences. The trade agreement would make those permanent, but it would also give U.S. firms free access to Colombia for the first time, thus creating U.S. jobs. Politically, too, the agreement is in the American interest, as a reward to a friendly, democratic government that has made tremendous strides on human rights." (Editorial, "Drop Dead, Colombia," The Washington Post, 4/10/08)

The Washington Times: "[T]he trade pact effectively levels the playing field by providing much greater benefits to U.S. exporters, which face high tariffs, than it gives to Colombia, whose products already arrive in the United States with very few restrictions." "[W]ith an expanding economy and a population of 44 million, Colombia has South America's second-largest number of consumers whose demand for unrestricted U.S. industrial, farm and consumer products offers great potential for U.S. firms and workers." (Editorial, "Yes To Free Trade," The Washington Times, 4/10/08)

Las Vegas Review Journal: "Free trade makes nations prosperous; trade restrictions allow the creation of artificial monopolies which drive up consumer prices." "The great historical example is the United States itself – a nation prosperous largely because no tariffs restrict the free flow of goods and services across state borders. Because we can freely export our mineral wealth to the eastern states – and freely import goods manufactured with those minerals – labor is divided, economies of scale apply, and everyone prospers. Imagine what it would cost to buy a car or refrigerator if we were restricted to buying only those manufactured in Nevada." (Editorial, "Colombia Trade Deal," Las Vegas Review-Journal, 4/9/08)

The Baltimore Sun: "If the United States fails to lower trade barriers with Colombia, South Korea and other countries with deals now pending, the European Union, China and others will." "Trade barriers are a futile exercise in a global market that continues to push work to the lowest-wage countries." (Editorial, "Yes To Free Trade," The Baltimore Sun, 4/9/08)

"In These Times Of Economic Uncertainty, The Last Thing We Should Do Is Reject A Deal That Advantages American Workers And Firms"

National Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President Jay Timmons: "The NAM is extremely concerned that removing the 90-day timetable for action on the agreement will not only prevent timely and fair consideration of the U.S.-Colombia agreement, but will also fundamentally undermine the effectiveness of the Fast Track/Trade Promotion Authority process." "If this process is undermined in such a manner, the ability of the United States to enter or complete trade agreements with other countries will be severely compromised, both now and in the future." (Jay Timmons, "NAM Key Vote Letter On Consideration Of H.R. 5724, The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement," Press Release, 4/10/08)

National Foreign Trade Council President Bill Reinsch: "The U.S.-Colombia FTA should be considered by Congress on its merits." "NFTC members employ tens of thousands of American workers whose livelihoods depend on the Administration and Congress working through their differences to open new markets for American goods and services and to develop an American workforce well equipped to succeed in the global economy. … It's time for both sides to stop playing 'gotcha' and return to the bipartisanship that has maintained the integrity of the fast track process that has advanced our economy for thirty years. The stakes are too high to walk away from this challenge." (National Foreign Trade Council President Bill Reinsch, "NFTC Statement on U.S.-Colombia FTA," Press Release, 4/9/08)

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman: Nancy Pelosi's "decision will not only place a vote on the agreement in limbo, but it is a direct strike at Trade Promotion Authority." "This Congress has had no issue unilaterally opening the U.S. market to Colombian products through trade preferences. Yet when it comes to an agreement that finally provides the same benefits to U.S. products entering the Colombian market, Congress hesitates." (Bob Stallman, "AFBF Statement Regarding Removal Of Colombia TPA Timetable," Press Release, 4/9/08)

Congressional Hispanic Conference Executive Director Mario H. Lopez: "Once again the Democrat leadership has gone out of its way to break their word and attempt to change the rules in the middle of the game." "They are causing more damage to the American economy while managing to stab an important ally in the eye in the process. It looks like just another day in the Democrat-controlled Congress." (Mario H. Lopez, "Congressional Hispanic Conference Reaction To Pelosi’'s Dirty Tricks On Colombia Trade," Press Release, 4/9/08)

Consumer Electronics Association President And CEO Gary Shapiro: "In these times of economic uncertainty, the last thing we should do is reject a deal that advantages American workers and firms." "More, as we fight for the hearts and minds of the Colombian people, it seems unhelpful to use a procedural vote to delay consideration of an important trade agreement." (Gary Shapiro, Consumer Electronics Association Letter To Congress, 4/9/08)

National Pork Producers Council President Bryan Black: "If Congress disregards this trade law, it will undermine the credibility of the United States with its trading partners." "Should Congress remove the timetable, it will bad for U.S. pork producers, bad for American agriculture and business, bad for Colombia’s economic and political stability, and bad for the prospects of future trade agreements such as Korea and Doha." (Bryan Black, "NPPC Condemns Move To Delay Vote On Colombia Trade Deal," Press Release, 4/9/08)

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President for Government Affairs R. Bruce Josten: "Denying the Colombia trade agreement a vote is unacceptable and would do nothing to advance U.S. economic or geopolitical interests in Colombia." "Nearly everything the U.S. imports from Colombia enters duty free. However, when Americans sell their goods to Colombia, they face average tariffs of 14% for manufactured goods and higher for agricultural goods. The Colombia agreement will remedy this unfairness by eliminating tariffs on U.S. exports to Colombia within a few years." (R. Bruce Josten, U.S. Chamber Of Commerce, Letter To Congress, 4/9/08)

Ø "If the Speaker is truly concerned about the welfare of America's working families then she would schedule a fair, up-or-down vote on the Colombia agreement immediately."

"This Is A Vote Against Colombia Plain And Simple"

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH): "Any vote to delay the consideration of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement would violate the spirit of the law and undermine our ability to create more American jobs." "Let me be clearer: it would be cheating. It would break a promise Democratic leaders made to the American people. Worse, such an action would wreak havoc on our international trade commitments and any future attempts to negotiate any agreement with a foreign nation. What nation would conclude a treaty with the United States knowing that Congress can change the rules of the game after it is negotiated?" (John Boehner, "Boehner Warns Democrats Not To Delay Consideration Of The Colombia Free Trade Agreement," Press Release, 4/9/08)

Ø "If Democratic leaders delay consideration of the Colombia Free Trade agreement, they will sacrifice more than 200 years of international credibility for the shallowest possible short-term political gain." "This trade agreement is good for our farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and other American exporters, and it's time for Democratic leaders to schedule a House vote to approve it."

House Rules Committee Ranking Member David Dreier (R-CA): "This has never ever been done before in the 34-year history [of fast-track rules.]" (Steven T. Dennis "Pelosi Seizes Trade Agenda," Roll Call, 4/10/08)

House Ways And Means Committee Ranking Member Jim McCrery (R-LA): "With the House's action … we will undermine that authority and damage United States credibility abroad." "In the future, our trading partners will rightfully be able to question the commitments of our Government in negotiating trade agreements." (Jim McCrery, "Ways & Means Members McCrery and Herger Criticize Democrats' Attempts to Change the Rules for Colombia," Press Release, 4/9/08)

House Ways And Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Wally Herger (R-CA): "If the Speaker is truly concerned about the welfare of America's working families then she would schedule a fair, up-or-down vote on the Colombia agreement immediately." "Speaker Pelosi's announcement that preventing a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement somehow keeps 'with how the rules of the House have governed how trade agreements have traditionally been brought to the floor under TPA' is at best uninformed and at worst is knowingly misleading. This is a vote against Colombia plain and simple." (Wally Herger, "Ways & Means Members McCrery and Herger Criticize Democrats' Attempts to Change the Rules for Colombia," Press Release, 4/9/08)

House Chief Deputy Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA): "[T]he isolationist fervor on the Democratic campaign trail has further exhausted Congress's willingness to approve pending free-trade deals with important allies such as Colombia." (Eric Cantor, Op-Ed, "Tension in the Andes," National Review Online, 4/9/08)

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL): ''This vote will undermine our credibility as a negotiating partner and our economic and security interests in the Western Hemisphere.'' (Pablo Bachelet, "Colombia Trade Vote To Be Blocked," The Miami Herald, 4/10/08)

Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA): "The Colombia FTA … deserves broad support and swift passage in Congress." "[E]nacting the Colombia FTA on the heels of our recent agreement with Peru will enable Congress to advance other pending trade deals, most notably with Korea, Washington state's fourth-largest trading partner. Passing the U.S.-Korea FTA is vital to our economic growth and job creation. Rejecting trade agreements sends a signal that America is closed for business and emboldens China and Europe to exploit those markets." (Dave Reichert, Op-Ed, "Colombia Free-Trade Pact Should Be Approved," The Seatlle Times, 4/9/08)

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President Bush Accepts Recommendations To Assess Decreased Troop Presence On The Ground Before Making Additional Reductions To U.S. Forces

Today, President Bush announced that – after detailed discussions with the Secretaries of State and Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff – he is accepting General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker's recommendations on the way ahead in Iraq. General Petraeus reported that security conditions have improved enough to withdraw all five surge brigades by the end of July. This is a 25 percent decrease of U.S. combat brigades in Iraq from the year before. General Petraeus has explained that he then will need time to consolidate his forces and assess the reduced U.S. presence on the ground before making measured recommendations on further reductions.

Ø President Bush has directed Defense Secretary Robert Gates to reduce deployment lengths for all active Army soldiers deploying to the Central Command area of operations from 15 months to 12 months. These changes will be effective for those deploying after August 1. The President will also ensure that our Army units will have at least a year at home for every year in the field. The stress on our force is real, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff report that the all-volunteer force is strong and resilient enough to fight and win the war on terror.

Ø President Bush calls on Congress to pass a bill that provides our troops the resources they need – without imposing artificial timelines or attempting to tie the hands of our commanders. This bill must also be fiscally responsible, and not exceed the $108 billion request the President sent to Congress months ago. President Bush will veto any bill that does not meet these requirements.

Ø The costs of war have been high, but during other major conflicts in history, the relative cost has been even higher. Today, our defense budget accounts for just over four percent of our economy, less than our commitment during four decades of the Cold War. During the Truman and Eisenhower Administrations, our defense budget rose as high as 13 percent of our total economy. Even during the Regan Administration, when our economy expanded significantly, the defense budget accounted for about six percent of GDP.

To Assume More Responsibility For The Welfare Of Their People And The Fate Of Their Country, Iraqis Are Stepping Forward On The Security, Economic, Political, And Diplomatic Fronts

Iraq's economy will increasingly move away from American assistance, rely on private investment, and stand on its own. In their recent budget, Iraqis would outspend the United States on reconstruction by more than 10 to one, and American funding for large-scale reconstruction projects is approaching zero. The U.S. share of Iraq's security costs will drop as well, as Iraqis pay for the vast majority of their own Army and Police. Ultimately, we expect Iraq to shoulder the full burden of these costs.

The U.S. will help Iraqis build on the security gains made during the surge. Currently, U.S. Special Forces are launching multiple operations every night to capture or kill al Qaeda's remaining leaders in Iraq. Coalition and Iraqi forces are also stepping up conventional operations against al Qaeda in northern Iraq, where terrorists have concentrated after being largely pushed from central and western Iraq.

Ø The Iraqi Army and Police are increasingly capable, and leading in the fight to secure their country. As Iraqis assume the primary role in providing security, American forces will increasingly focus on targeted raids against terrorists and extremists, continue training Iraqi forces, and be available to help Iraq's security forces if required. In the period ahead, the U.S. will:

· Continue to train, equip, and support the Iraqi security forces;

· Continue to transfer security responsibilities to them as provinces become ready; and

· Move over time into an overwatch role.

On the political front, Iraq has seen bottom-up progress. Tribes and other groups in the provinces who fought terror are now turning to rebuilding local political structures and taking charge of their own affairs. Progress in the provinces is leading to progress in Baghdad, as Iraqi leaders increasingly act together, share power, and forge compromises on behalf of the nation. Upcoming elections will consolidate this progress and provide a way for Iraqis to settle disputes through the political process instead of through violence. Iraqis plan to hold provincial elections later this year, and these will be followed by national elections in 2009.

Iraq will increase its engagement in the world and the world must increase its engagement with Iraq. A stable, successful, and independent Iraq is in the strategic interests of Arab nations and all who want peace in the Middle East, and we will urge them to increase their support this year.

Ø President Bush is directing our Nation's senior diplomats to meet with leaders in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Egypt. In each capital, they will brief them on the situation in Iraq and encourage these nations to re-open embassies in Baghdad, and to increase their overall support for Iraq. This engagement effort will be followed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's trip to the Third Expanded Neighbors Conference in Kuwait City and the second International Compact with Iraq meeting in Stockholm.

Improvements In Security Have Helped Clear The Way For Political And Economic Developments In Iraq

U.S. and Iraqi forces have made significant progress bringing down sectarian violence, restoring basic security to Iraqi communities and driving terrorists out of their safe havens. Neighborhoods once controlled by al Qaeda have been liberated. Sectarian violence is down dramatically, and civilian and military deaths are also down. Cooperation from Iraqis is stronger than ever – they are providing more tips, more Iraqis are joining their security forces, and there is a growing movement against al-Qaeda called the "Sons of Iraq."

Improvements in security have helped clear the way for the political and economic developments. At the local level, businesses are re-opening and provincial councils are meeting. At the national level, there is much work ahead, but the Iraqi government has passed a budget and three major "benchmark" laws. The national government is sharing oil revenues with provinces, and many economic indicators in Iraq – from oil production to inflation – are now pointed in the right direction.

Our National Interests Require Success In Iraq

Success in Iraq would bring us closer to our most important goal – making the American people safer here at home. Success in Iraq would give the U.S. a new partner with a growing economy and a democratic political system in which Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds all work together for the good of their country. It would demonstrate to a watching world that mainstream Arabs reject the ideology of al Qaeda, and mainstream Shia reject the ideology of Iran's radical regime, and deliver a historic blow to the global terrorist movement and a severe setback for Iran.

Failure in Iraq would diminish our Nation's standing, undermine national security, lead to massive humanitarian casualties, and increase the threat of another terrorist attack on our homeland. If we fail in Iraq, al Qaeda would claim a propaganda victory of colossal proportions, and they could gain safe havens in Iraq from which to attack the United States and our friends and allies. Iran would seek to fill the vacuum in Iraq, which would embolden Tehran's radical leaders and fuel their ambitions to dominate the region. The Taliban in Afghanistan and al Qaeda in Pakistan would grow in confidence and boldness.

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President Bush Signs Second Chance Act Of 2007

"America is the land of second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life."

– President George W. Bush, 2004 State of the Union Address

Today, President Bush signed into law the Second Chance Act of 2007. The Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) will help transform lives and build safer communities by helping prisoners who are returning to society break cycles of crime and start new lives. The legislation formally authorizes key elements of the successful Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI), announced by the President in 2004, to help prisoners effectively reintegrate into the community. Additionally, the Second Chance Act enhances drug treatment, mentoring, and transitional services for ex-offenders through partnerships with local corrections agencies and faith-based and community organizations.

The Second Chance Act Formalizes The Prisoner Reentry Initiative.

In his 2004 State of the Union address, President Bush announced the PRI to help released inmates find work and make a fresh start in life after prison. Expanding upon the successful Ready4Work pilot program, PRI links returning adult nonviolent offenders with faith-based and community organizations that help them find work, connect with mentors, and avoid relapse into criminal activity.

Ø PRI is yielding results for America's ex-offenders. In the first two years of the program, more than 12,800 offenders have enrolled in the prisoner reentry program. More than 7,900 offenders have been placed in jobs. Only 18 percent of those enrolled in the program have been arrested again within one year – less than half the estimated national average.

Ø PRI is a signature program of the President's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. To meet the individual needs of recently released ex-offenders as they transition back to society, PRI connects these individuals with faith-based and other nonprofit organizations within their community.

Ø PRI is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Labor (DOL) to help reduce recidivism in urban centers and other areas with the greatest need.

· DOJ grants are awarded to State agencies for pre-release services to partner anti-recidivism efforts with those of faith-based and community organizations.

· DOL funds are awarded to faith-based and community organizations that provide a variety of assistance to returning prisoners, including workforce development services, job training, counseling, and other reentry services.

Ø The law signed today assists States and local government entities, in partnership with nonprofit organizations, to establish prisoner reentry demonstration projects. Demonstration projects include:

· Education, vocational training, and job placement services

· Coordinated supervision for offenders upon release, including housing and mental and physical health care

· Programs that encourage offenders to develop safe, healthy, and responsible family and parent-child relationships

The Second Chance Act Extends The President's Vision For Ensuring Returning Prisoners Have The Opportunity to Start New Lives.

President Bush has championed prisoner reentry and other initiatives to transform lives and cut crime through programs like DOJ's Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) and Anti-Gang Initiative, DOL's Ready4Work program, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Mentoring Children of Prisoners program.

Ø Along with delivering vital services, these programs advance innovation in reducing crime and breaking cycles of recidivism. By funding social entrepreneurs to expand prisoner reentry programs that couple efforts of corrections agencies and nonprofit organizations, the Administration is providing venture capital to build effective reentry models that can be replicated at the State and local level.

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Secretary Gutierrez: "Without This Agreement, American Businesses, Workers And Farmers Will Lose"

Cabinet Secretaries Discuss U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Say "The House Unilaterally Changing The Rules … Is Upending Decades Of U.S. Trade Policy And U.S. Trade Law"

Secretary Rice: "There Is Perhaps No More Important Free Trade Agreement In Recent Memory"

Secretary Of State Condoleezza Rice: "[T]he failure of the United States to pass this free trade agreement would have very serious consequences, do very serious harm to America's interest and to America's credibility in this region." "What will it say if this strong friend of America, who has done all the right things to try to bring his country to stability, democracy and prosperity – and has done so as an avowed friend of America, fighting terrorists on one side, trying to demobilize paramilitaries on another, and standing strong against very hostile anti-American states and forces in Latin America – what will it say if the United States turns its back now on Colombia?" (Secretary of State Rice, Secretary of Treasury Paulson, USTR Schwab, Secretary of Commerce Gutierrez, Secretary of Labor Chao, Secretary of Agriculture Schafer, and Small Business Administration Administrator Preston, Press Briefing, The White House, 4/9/08)

· "I can't think of a more important element of our policy in Latin America than to pass this free trade agreement." "[A]ll of the things that we've done, the doubling of foreign assistance in Latin America, the working with the countries across the political spectrum will be seriously harmed if this free trade agreement does not pass."

Secretary Paulson: Failure To Pass U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Will "Isolate U.S. Workers From Jobs And Opportunities … Around The World."

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson: "I can't recall a time when trade has played such an important role in our economic growth and in creating jobs for Americans." "These are tough times and the brightest spot by far is trade."

Ambassador Schwab: "The Procedural Maneuvering That We Are Seeing Is Both Unprecedented And Unfair."

U.S. Trade Ambassador Susan Schwab: "By the house unilaterally changing the rules … it is upending decades of U.S. trade policy and U.S. trade law." "[W]e would hope that they would not do that, both in terms of the broader implications of U.S. trade policy, but also because the Colombia FTA really does deserve a vote on its merits, and deserves to be enacted into law."

· "Up until this point, Congress should have held hearings, should have held mock markups, should have complied with its obligations under trade promotion authority, and now to change the rules in the middle of the game is … both unprecedented and unfair."

· "[T]his procedural, basically, process foul is undermining the credibility of U.S. trade negotiations." "[T]he administration operated specifically under the authority of Trade Promotion Authority, authority that has been given to every President since 1974."

· "[T]he Administration clearly followed … every obligation that we had." "We achieved all congressional objectives under the congressional mandate. We consulted extensively, and in fact, since September there have been more than 400 individual consultations by members of the President's Cabinet with members of Congress on this."

Secretary Gutierrez: "American Workers, Farmers And Manufacturers Deserve A Vote In Support Of Exports."

Gutierrez: "We need to stand up for American interest rather than special interest." "Without this agreement, American businesses, workers and farmers will lose. … It's been more than 500 days … since the FTA was signed. And in that time, in those 500 days, American exporters have paid more than $1 billion in tariffs. In the meantime, Colombian exports have come into the U.S. duty-free."

· "If we want to help the American economy, we should approve this agreement now." "If Colombians don't buy our tractors, they'll buy them from Japan. If they don't buy our wheat, they'll buy it from Canada. And if they don't buy our high-tech equipment, they'll buy it from China."

· "It is profoundly disappointing that Democratic congressional leadership is choosing to change the rules in the middle of the game."

Secretary Chao: "We Want To Come To A Bipartisan Understanding And Agreement On Helping Workers Who Are Displaced By Trade."

Labor Secretary Elaine Chao: "The Administration has been working very diligently on a bipartisan basis with both the House and the Senate, particularly its leadership" on Trade Adjustment Authority (TAA). "There is currently a robust system already – we want to enhance that system, make it better; and it is our intent that we want to craft a bipartisan bill that the President can sign."

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Ensuring A Vote On The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement

President Bush Sends Congress Legislation To Implement U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Urges Bipartisan Support

For Over A Year, The President And His Administration Have Reached Out To The House And Senate Leadership To Build A Bipartisan Path For Consideration Of The Agreement:

ü 55: The Administration led Congressional delegations to Colombia for 55 Members of Congress so they could see the country's progress first-hand.

ü 144: Administration officials have delivered remarks educating the public about the benefits of free trade to U.S. workers in at least 144 cities throughout the United States.

ü 444: Since August 2007, cabinet and sub-cabinet officials have held at least 444 free trade agreement-related meetings or phone calls with Members of Congress including:

• 265: At least 265 meetings with Democrats.

• 179: At least 179 meetings with Republicans.

• 27: At least 27 meetings or calls with Democratic Congressional leadership.

ü 160: USTR consulted with Congress 160 times in the run-up to and during negotiations as required by Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).

The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Has Received Overwhelming Support From Outside Sources:

ü 54: There have been 54 former high-ranking government officials, both Democrats and Republicans, who have signed letters supporting the Colombia trade agreement along with other free trade agreements.

ü 100: Newspapers have published approximately 100 op-eds and editorials favoring one or all of the pending agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea and the free trade agreement with Peru.

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The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement "Deserves Congressional Approval"

"Colombia Is An Ally That Deserves Free-Trade Status And Has Done More Than Its Share To Earn It"

"The Proposed Pact Is Good Policy For Both Colombia And The United States"

Los Angeles Times: "Under pressure from human rights and labor organizations, Colombia has done what Democrats in Congress have urged: improved the country's dismal labor record." "Now the U.S. must demonstrate faith in an ally – faith that its reforms are not solely the product of political pressure from the north, and that the people of Colombia and the government are equally committed to a more just society. Congress should approve the trade pact." (Editorial, "Approve Pact With Colombia," Los Angeles Times, 4/8/08)

The Wall Street Journal: "The Colombia agreement is another example of when politics must take a back seat for a larger good. We certainly know how Hugo Chavez is rooting for the congressional vote to turn out." (Editorial, "Smoot-Chavez," The Wall Street Journal, 4/7/08)

The Washington Post: "[T]he proposed pact is good policy for both Colombia and the United States." "Meanwhile, the agreement contains labor and environmental protections much like those that Congress has already approved in a U.S.-Peru trade pact. A vote for the Colombia deal would show Latin America that a staunch U.S. ally will be rewarded for improving its human rights record and resisting the anti-American populism of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez." (Editorial, "Free Colombia; A Trade Pact Everyone Can Love," The Washington Post, 3/31/08)

The Chicago Tribune: "The pact contains the strongest labor and environmental protections of any U.S. trade deal in history. It would signal support for Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, a strong U.S. ally." (Editorial, "Off With His Head," The Chicago Tribune, 4/7/08)

The New York Post: "Indeed, Colombia, America's strongest ally in the region, is also Latin America's most remarkable success story." "For the United States, meanwhile, the deal means not only a market for an estimated $1.1 billion a year in added exports, but the chance to counter Chavez's blustering with a real model of what friendship with America can look like." (Editorial, "Democrats' Real Boss," The New York Post, 4/8/08)

The Arizona Republic: "Congress is protecting no one by fighting the Colombia trade agreement. It should approve the measure now." "Since assuming office in 2002, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has made huge progress in stabilizing his formerly war-torn nation. He has created one of the most stable democracies on a continent that otherwise seems to be backsliding toward its tragic roots of totalitarianism, despotism and revolution. … [S]nubbing a trade deal with staunchly democratic Colombia – a deal that is pure win-win for the U.S. – makes no sense, regardless." (Editorial, "The Issue: Colombia Trade Agreement," The Arizona Republic, 3/12/08)

The Orlando [FL] Sentinel: "Congress needs to stop stalling and pass it." "Last year a trade deal with Peru passed Congress with the support of most Florida lawmakers. Mr. Bush is right: The Colombia deal has bigger economic and national-security benefits." (Editorial, "The Other Important Speech," The Orlando [FL] Sentinel, 3/20/08)

"Colombia's President, Ãlvaro Uribe, Has Made Stunning Progress"

Columnist George Will: "The trade agreement would make this 'one-way free trade,' which now primarily serves Colombia's interests, more mutually beneficial." (George F. Will, Op-Ed, "Mark Penn's Trangressions," The Washington Post, 4/8/08)

Ø "Colombia's president, Ãlvaro Uribe, has made stunning progress against the drug cartels, right-wing militias and FARC, the 9,000-man Marxist terrorist group that is financed by drug smuggling and kidnapping." "Colombia, America's best South American ally, shares a border with America's most aggressive South American enemy, Hugo Chavez's Venezuela."

Columnist Robert Novak: "Colombia has fought a long, successful battle against leftist guerillas financed by Chavez." "As a faithful U.S. ally, Uribe has been astounded by the fate of the trade agreement. Since it was signed in November 2006, not one congressional hearing has been held. To please Democrats, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab has gone back to Bogota and won changes on labor and environmental issues. Even now, she is willing to add trade adjustment subsidies for displaced workers. But nothing budges labor." (Robert Novak, Op-Ed, "Dems Risk Alienating Colombia Over Trade," The Chicago Sun Times, 3/3/08)

"This Agreement Will Level The Playing Field For American Workers By Immediately Sweeping Aside Most Of Colombia's Tariffs"

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue: "The facts clearly call for approval of this 'fair trade' agreement, both from an economic and a foreign policy perspective." "Bipartisan majorities in Congress have voted repeatedly over the past two decades to allow imports from Colombia to enter the U.S. duty free. But U.S. exports to Colombia are slapped with tariffs that average 14 percent for manufactured goods and much higher for agricultural products. … This agreement will level the playing field for American workers by immediately sweeping aside most of Colombia's tariffs." (Tom Donohue, "Colombia Deserves a Vote," U.S. Chamber Of Commerce News, 4/7/08)

National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler: "The clock has run out and now Congress must act to get the job done this year." "When it is complete, Congressional leaders can justly claim they have done their part to make America more competitive in the global marketplace. … This agreement will increase our annual exports to Colombia by more than $1 billion annually. That will mean more jobs in the U.S. and an increase of $2.5 billion in economic growth in a time when our economy needs a boost." (John Engler, "NAM Urges Support For Colombia Agreement," Press Release, 4/7/08)

The Financial Services Roundtable President and CEO Steve Bartlett: "Trade with other nations is critical to the continued expansion of America's financial services sector." "Support for America's open trade policies is crucial to financial services companies, which are leaders in providing financial services and products throughout the world. The Colombia agreement would allow U.S. firms to establish local branches to make credit and financial products available in underserved areas. It is time to move the Colombia Trade Agreement forward." (Steve Bartlett, FSRT On Colombia Free Trade, Press Release, 4/7/08)

Grocery Manufacturers Association President and CEO Cal Dooley: "We urge Congressional leaders to view the action announced by the President today as the beginning, not the end of the process, and look forward to a positive vote on the trade agreement with Colombia." "We highly encourage a bipartisan effort and ask that Congress work in good faith to bring the Agreement to a timely vote." (Cal Dooley, GMA On Colombia Free Trade, Press Release, 4/7/08)

National Pork Producers Council President Bryan Black: "We are very excited about this agreement because it will provide significant new export opportunities for U.S. pork producers." "We urge Congress to approve the deal now." (Bryan Black, NPPC On Colombia Free Trade, Press Release, 4/7/08)

National Corn Growers Association President Ron Litterer: "The Colombia free trade agreement will open up new opportunities for corn growers." "Under the agreement, the United States will have immediate access to Colombia's market for 2.1 million metric tons of corn at zero duty. Enhanced market access for distillers dried grains products is becoming increasingly important as expansion of the U.S. ethanol industry continues to boost production of these feed products." (Ron Litterer, NCGA On Colombia Free Trade, Press Release, 4/7/08)

Institute for Global Economic Growth Chairman Richard W. Rahn: "Refusing to ratify the trade agreement with Colombia will deny thousands of American (and Colombian) businesses and millions of American (and Colombian) workers the full benefits of participating in the new Colombian economic miracle, while only benefiting Hugo Chavez and the Marxist narco-terrorists." (Richard W. Rahn, Op-Ed, "Trading In Recklessness," The Washington Times, 4/2/08)

"It Is In Our National Interest To Help Colombia Progress Along The Road Toward Democratic Consolidation And Economic Development"

Former Commanders of the U.S. Southern Command: "The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will build upon these recent advances to enhance the long-term prospects for peace, stability, and development in Colombia." "Providing new incentives for investment and job creation, this landmark accord will help ensure that Colombia stays on the path of economic openness, the rule of law, and transparency. It is in our national interest to help Colombia progress along the road toward democratic consolidation and economic development. This trade agreement will advance U.S. security and economic interests by forging a deeper partnership." (Gen. James Hill, Gen. Peter Pace, Gen. Charles Wilhelm, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, and Gen. George Joulwan, Letter To Congress Supporting The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, 3/15/08)

Americas Society President and CEO Susan Segal: "Congress must push rhetoric aside and partner with Colombia in their efforts in establishing a secure and vibrant democracy." "The U.S.-Colombia trade promotion agreement is our single most effective tool to help bring economic and political security to Colombia. … Our strategic relationship with Colombia is on the line. Even as Congress approved legislation establishing free trade with Peru, support for another ally in Latin America is wavering." (Susan Segal, Op-Ed, "Colombia FTA: Helping A Friend," Latin Business Chronicle, 2/25/08)

Hudson Institute Adjunct Fellow Rod Hunter: "Colombia is a stalwart ally in the drug war and essential to neutralizing Hugo Chávez's Venezuela." "Nafta helped spur economic reform, private-sector growth and political stability in Mexico. A trade deal with Colombia could work similar magic in a country where it is desperately needed." (Rod Hunter, Op-Ed, "The Democrats And Trade," The Wall Street Journal, 3/6/08)

Former State Department Western Hemisphere Bureau Trade Policy Coordinator Barbara Bowie-Whitman: "It is time to approve the Trade Promotion Agreement with Colombia." "[O]ffering new markets for U.S. farmers, workers and manufacturers, has become critical for Colombia in the face of new belligerence from Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. … Our economy needs the stimulus this agreement will provide. Colombia needs the U.S. statement of support and the market certainty that its adoption will offer." (Barbara Bowie-Whitman, Op-Ed, "Crunch Time On Colombia Trade," The Washington Times, 3/23/08)

"Colombia Is Ready For A Permanent Free Trade Deal"

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH): "Passing the Colombia Free Trade Agreement will level the playing field for American workers, farmers, and businesses who are currently being denied fair access to an important and growing South American market." "Passing the Colombia Free Trade Agreement means more jobs for people here in the United States. It is a simple matter of fairness for American workers. I urge the Democratic Leadership to schedule a vote on the measure as soon as possible." (Rep. John Boehner, "Boehner Statement on Colombia Free Trade Agreement," Press Release, 4/7/08)

House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO): "The decision facing Congress right now on the issue of Colombia is more serious than a simple trade pact; it quite literally is a choice between sending a strong message of support to our democratic allies in the region, or sending a mixed message of ambivalence to the regional strongmen actively working to undermine our allies." (Rep. Roy Blunt, Op-Ed, "Blunt: President Right to Identify Clear Links Between Colombian Trade and National Security," Press Release, 3/12/08)

Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL): "It is time to stop blocking the Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and for the Majority Leadership to schedule a vote on the FTA with Colombia now." "It is time for this Congress to send a clear sign of support and solidarity to our good friend Colombia." (Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, "Rep. Diaz-Balart Comments On Free Trade Agreement With Colombia," Press Release, 3/14/08)

House Committee on Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL): "We must stand side-by-side with the people of Colombia to protect its democracy and push back against the forces of tyranny that threaten all of us." (Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, "Ros-Lehtinen Meets With Colombian Defense Minister, Reiterates Request For Sharing Of Documents Seized From FARC; Pledges Support For Congressional Passage Of Colombian Trade Agreement," Press Release, 3/12/08)

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President Bush Signs Letter To Send The United States-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementing Legislation To Congress

Agreement Will Advance National Security And Open Markets For U.S. Workers

Today, President Bush signed a letter to send Congress legislation that implements the United States' free trade agreement with Colombia. The U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement will advance America's national security interests in a critical region, strengthen a courageous ally in our hemisphere, and help boost our economy at a vital time. During the 16 months since the Colombia free trade agreement was signed, the Administration has worked closely with Congress to seek a bipartisan path for considering the agreement. President Bush and his Administration have worked with Congressional leaders to set a schedule for the consideration of the Colombia free trade agreement. The need for this trade agreement is too urgent and the stakes for national security are too high to allow this year to end without a vote. Congress needs to move forward with the Colombia free trade agreement and approve it as quickly as possible.

Ø The Colombia free trade agreement will advance our national security by strengthening a key democratic ally and sending a clear message to the region. The agreement with Colombia will bring increased economic opportunity to the people of Colombia through sustained economic growth, new employment opportunities, and increased investment. This trade agreement will reinforce democracy by helping in the fight against corruption, and encouraging transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Approval of the agreement will bolster one of our closest friends in the hemisphere and rebut those in Latin America who say the United States cannot be trusted to keep its word.

Ø The U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement will level the playing field for U.S. businesses and workers. Over 90 percent of imports from Colombia now enter our country duty-free, but U.S. industrial and consumer exports to Colombia face tariffs up to 35 percent, and many U.S. agricultural products face much higher tariffs. Once implemented, the agreement will eliminate tariffs on more than 80 percent of American exports of industrial and consumer goods immediately and 100 percent of American exports over time. This agreement will provide U.S. companies and farmers that export to Colombia with duty-free access to this large and growing market.

Approving This Free Trade Agreement Is The Best Way To Show Our Support For Colombia

President Uribe and the Colombian government have directly addressed concerns over the situation in Colombia that have been raised by some Members of Congress. He has:

• Demobilized tens of thousands of members of paramilitary groups;
• Established an independent prosecutors unit and created a special program that protects labor activists; and
• Revised the free trade agreement to include some of the most rigorous labor and environmental protections of any trade agreement in history.

Under the leadership of President Uribe, Colombia has been a strong and capable partner in fighting drugs, crime, and terror. Since 2002, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and murders have all dropped substantially. With Colombia's commitment, our rule of law and counterdrug assistance will continue to help make a difference.

Colombia has vastly expanded its police presence as part of an effort to bring security and stability to all of its territory. Colombia has established a police presence in each of its 1,099 municipalities, which has secured 187 primary and secondary roads throughout the country, freeing Colombians to use these roads. As a result, traffic along these roads has doubled since 2002, and commerce is flowing between areas that were once virtually cut off due to violence.

Colombia's economy is rebounding, and its citizens' lives are improving. Since 2002, the poverty rate has decreased by almost 20 percent, and unemployment is at its lowest level in a decade. Roads are now open, displaced farmers are returning to their lands, and economic growth in Colombia topped seven percent in 2007.

The Colombian government is continuing to battle narcotics trafficking, which provides the funding base for illegal armed groups. These efforts took 500 metric tons of cocaine off the market in 2006 alone, depriving terrorist groups of hundreds of millions in funds to buy arms and mount attacks. In addition, the Colombian government has extradited more than 600 narcotics traffickers and terrorists to the United States over the past five years.

The United States has been a vital partner in Colombia's efforts through Plan Colombia, an effort launched by the Clinton Administration that has enjoyed strong bipartisan support. The more than $5 billion the United States has provided to the program has helped to defeat narco terrorists and reduce violence and crime. It is also providing developmental and humanitarian assistance. This partnership can only succeed in the long run, however, if Colombia can create jobs for the tens of thousands of combatants who have demobilized and the hundreds of thousands of citizens who have been displaced by armed groups. The free trade agreement can help Colombia create those jobs and bolster continued success.

Colombia has laid the foundation for bringing government services to areas retaken from illegal armed groups and increased investment in alternative development, human rights protection, and social services. Mayors have returned to their towns, and public school enrollment has increased to 92 percent. The child mortality rate has decreased dramatically thanks to economic growth and increasing wages that enable more people to provide adequate health and nutritional care for their children. The number of tourists visiting Colombia has more than doubled in the last five years.

The Administration Is Committed To Helping Workers Affected By Global Trade Adapt To The Changing Economy, Learn New Skills, And Find New Jobs

President Bush is committed to working with Congress to improve and reauthorize Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to help trade-affected workers obtain the training they need to transition into a new career. The President believes the Federal Government has a responsibility to help workers displaced by trade. A strong TAA program plays an important role in helping workers obtain the skills and assistance they need to transition to good jobs.

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Today, President Bush met with small and mid-sized business owners to discuss temporary tax incentives in the economic growth package. In February 2008, President Bush signed into law an economic growth package that will boost our economy by putting money back into the hands of American workers and businesses. This growth package meets the criteria the President laid out in January – it amounts to more than $152 billion, or about one percent of GDP, provides tax rebates to more than 130 million American households, and offers temporary tax incentives for businesses to invest in their companies and create jobs this year. These incentives are already in place and are starting to have an impact. The growth package was carefully calibrated and is large enough to promote short-run growth in our economy without jeopardizing our long-term budget objectives.

Today's Meeting Participants Were Prompted To Make New Investments This Year As A Result Of The Economic Growth Package

Ø Dan Glier is the President of Glier's Meats, Inc., an 18-employee, USDA-inspected meat processing plant located in Covington, Kentucky. Established in 1946 by Glier's father, Glier's Meats is a manufacturer of many types of gourmet meats but is most renowned for their specialty product, Goetta. Holding in excess of 90 percent of the Goetta market, Glier's annual production of Goetta now exceeds over 1,000,000 pounds. Earlier this year, Glier installed a new replacement refrigeration compressor for approximately $15,000. When the stimulus package passed, he additionally began planning to install a deer processing facility, an investment he would not have made without the incentives in the stimulus legislation.

Ø Tony Jimenez is the President and CEO of MicroTechnologies, LLC, a small Northern Virginia business focused on information technology and systems engineering. Since founding MicroTechnologies in 2004, Jimenez has led the company through a period of uninterrupted growth. MicroTechnologies' professional staff, now numbering more than 100, supports more than 30 prime contracts with civilian and defense agencies. Jimenez says that the savings from the stimulus package will allow him to move his company into a new rented space. He will also be spending $500,000 to $600,000 on new servers, technology upgrades, a phone system, copiers, furniture, and lease-hold improvements to the new space. He estimates the tax provisions will save him around $60,000 on his new investments, and he would not have been able to make this move without those savings.

Ø Bob McCutcheon is the President of McCutcheon's Apple Products, Inc., which has been a family-owned business since its founding in 1938. Originally, the company began as a simple apple press shop and later grew to produce apple cider, apple butter, and other apple recipe products. McCutcheon's Apple Products, Inc. continues to add new products and is committed to "maintaining the highest quality for the best homes recipe products." McCutcheon is in the middle of a major retail expansion and is planning to purchase at least $150,000 in ovens, demonstration products, furniture, and cash registers. This expansion has been in planning for a number of years, but McCutcheon indicates that the company is proceeding this year as a result of the incentives provided in the stimulus package.

Ø Darlene Miller is the President and CEO of Permac Industries, a manufacturing "job shop" that produces custom-made manufacturers' parts according to its client's blueprints and specifications. The quantities produced range from a few pieces to several thousand and include a variety of metals and plastics. As a result of the stimulus package, Miller has invested in a Computerized Numeric Control grinder that will allow Permac to complete its grinding processes in-house. The company has also invested in a computerized quality control vision system, which performs and documents quality control measurements electronically.

Ø Ray Pinard is the President and CEO of 48HourPrint.com, a leading online supplier of high-quality customized printed products to businesses. The company offers a broad spectrum of products ranging from business cards and brochures to tickets and pocket folders. Pinard responded to the bonus depreciation in the stimulus package by purchasing a $2 million off-set press. The purchase could have waited until next year, but the investment incentives provided by the stimulus package made this purchase possible in 2008.

Ø Ryan Robinson is the CEO of Signal Metal Industries, Inc., a second-generation family-owned business founded in 1973 by Robertson's father. Signal Metal is a highly diversified heavy steel fabrication, machining, assembly, and engineering company dedicated to providing high quality U.S.-made products to steelmaking, mining, and heavy construction equipment industries. Signal has more than 200 employees, mostly welders and machinists, at its corporate headquarters located in Irving, Texas, and it also operates plate-burning and sandblasting facilities in southern Dallas. In response to the stimulus package, Robinson purchased a large computer-controlled machine tool called a "Horizontal Boring Mill," a John Deere Tractor, a coating facility, 10 overhead 5-to-20-ton capacity cranes, and a $125,000 forklift.

Ø Tom Sawner is the CEO of Educational Options, Inc. (EdOptions), an accredited, web-based provider of high school and adult education curriculum and the parent company of Blue Ridge International Academy, the Nation’s first triple-accredited "virtual school." In 2006, EdOptions was selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as the National Small Business of the Year. In response to the stimulus package, Sawner has already spent $70,000 on new phones, furniture, and office equipment for new buildings in Virginia and Arizona, and he plans to spend another $100,000 on computers and servers and office equipment. Due to the increase in the amount of first-year depreciation deductions for automobiles, Tom plans on purchasing two new Priuses this year for his most active salespeople.

Ø Charles "Shorty" Whittington is the President of Grammer Industries, Inc., which he founded in 1977. Grammer Industries, Inc., includes his equipment sales and leasing, specialized tanker fleets, and terminal trucking operations throughout the Midwest. In 2006, Whittington partnered with his son John to create Integrity Biofuels when he recognized the need for renewable fuels in the future of the transportation industry. Integrity Biofuels, Central Indiana’s first Soy Biodiesel Plant, is located in Morristown, Indiana, just east of Indianapolis. This production facility uses soybean oil as its primary feed stock to be converted to methyl-esters (B100 Biodiesel). The process will incorporate the latest technology and automation to produce some of the finest quality biodiesel fuel in the United States. Whittington is planning on buying several new trucks and trailers for Grammer Industries, Inc. in response to the stimulus package.

Ø Ray York is the CEO of Ewing, Inc., a source for water conservation solutions and a leading authority on the latest water management products, trends, and practices. Ewing provides water management solutions, commercial and residential irrigation supplies, landscape and agronomic products, landscape lighting, erosion control, water features, and industrial plastics primarily to professionals serving the landscaping, turf, golf, and industrial industries. Ewing has more than 185 locations throughout the United States. York plans to purchase new trucks and other distribution equipment as a result of the stimulus package incentives.

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Dallas Holy Land Terror Trial Reveals Islamic Plan To Destroy America

The plan says that the Muslim Brotherhood "must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western Civilization from within and "sabotaging" its miserable house by their hands and the hands of believers so that it is eliminated and god's religion [sic Islam] is made victorious over all religions. It is a Muslim's destiny to perform Jihad and work wherever he is and wherever he lands until the final hour comes, and there is no escape from that destiny except for those who chose to slack. But would the slackers and the Mujahedeen be equal."

Make no mistake that this plan is serious and has been implemented. The plan called for "settling" the United States by becoming "entrenched" as part of the "homeland." The plan demands that in order to accomplish this goal, the "movement" must "plan and struggle" to "carry out this grand mission as a 'Civilization Jihadist' responsibility which lies on the shoulders of Muslims and-on top of them-the Muslim Brotherhood in this country." In order to foment this change, 12 "shifts" in mentality were instituted, such as "a shift from the mentality of caution and reservation to the mentality of risk and controlled liberation."

Once these mentality shifts are developing , the plan called for Islamic takeover through the building of mosques, Islamic centers and schools, then unifying all U.S. Islamic movements. Over 29 organizations were listed in the document as part of the unification plan, many of them which already have become household names in America. Jeremiah 51:14 says, "The Lord of hosts has sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts; and they shall lift up a battle cry against you." Americans, it is now time to come to the aid of your country for the sake of your nation, your family, your life and your God.

Bill Wilson Word of Life Ministry www.dailyjot.com

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