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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