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Colombia Caucus Co-Chairs Praise Movement on Colombia Free Trade Agreement

April 7, 2011

Washington, D.C. –Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Aaron Schock (R-IL), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) released the following statement regarding the administration’s decision to act upon the Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Diaz-Balart, Meeks, Schock, and Cuellar comment:

“As co-chairs of the Colombia Caucus, we are pleased that the Administration is finally moving forward on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement. The FTA is a no cost means to increasing exports and creating much-needed jobs.

“Colombia has not only been a strong economic partner, but also a steadfast security partner to the United States. Colombia has distinguished itself as a global leader in fighting drug trafficking and terrorism, while undertaking unprecedented reforms to enhance labor and human rights.

“The longer we wait to pass the FTA, the more market share U.S. businesses lose to foreign competitors and the fewer jobs we create at home. We urge the Administration to send the Trade Promotion Agreement to Congress as soon as possible to open markets for American consumers, generate jobs, and grow our economy.”

NOTE: In 2009, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, Gregory Meeks, Aaron Schock, and Henry Cuellar co-founded the Congressional Caucus on Colombia to strengthen political, economic, and security ties between our the United State and Colombia. Since its inception, the Caucus has held meetings and briefings with Vice President Angelino Garzon, Ambassador and former Defense Minister Gabriel Silva, former Trade Minister Luis Guillermo Plata, former Ambassador Carolina Barco, and other stakeholders.

Issues:Trade