Killing Colombia Trade Agreement Harmful to U.S. Workers and U.S. Security (Rep. Wally Herger)
April 11th, 2008
The Democrat majority’s decision to effectively kill the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement was a vote against U.S. workers and a slap in the face to America’s closest ally in Latin America. Their action defied the warning of prominent pro-trade Democrats who have said, “Latin America is up for grabs,” regional allies who implored Congress to pass the agreement, and five former commanders of the U.S. Southern Command who indicated that the agreement would bolster U.S. security and economic interests in the region. Simply put, the vote rejected fair trade and jobs for U.S. workers, and reflected a dangerous embrace of isolationism.
Colombian imports already enter our nation tariff free, but U.S. exports to Colombia face major tariffs. The agreement would simply level the playing field for U.S. producers by opening the Colombian market to our goods and services. Our manufacturers and farmers need this agreement to sell their product, create jobs, and compete against foreign producers. It makes no sense to stymie an agreement that would spur job creation and economic growth for U.S. workers during this period of economic uncertainty.
Equally astonishing, the majority’s unprecedented action will be cheered by belligerent leftist guerillas abetted by Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez who seek to undermine the democratically-elected Colombian government. Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of President Alvaro Uribe, who is confronting narco-terrorists, successfully fighting crime, bolstering economic growth, and shining a bright light for freedom in the face of Chavez’s socialism. The Democratic leadership’s action was an unmistakable rebuke of these positive efforts.
In short, the majority was deeply irresponsible to indefinitely delay consideration of a commonsense, win-win trade agreement, and in the process set a terrible precedent that will damage our status as an international trade leader for years to come. They should abandon this course and allow an up-or-down vote on the agreement’s merits.
Rep. Herger is ranking member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade.
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