| Leading Newspapers Agree:
It's Time to Pass the U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement!
''...[C]oncern about workers' plight should not lead Congressional Democrats to reject the trade agreement with Colombia. This deal would benefit the American economy and further the nation's broader interests in Latin America. It is time for Congress to ratify it.''
- The New York Times, April 12, 2008
''The Colombia deal would be a clear win for the U.S. economy. It would support jobs in American export industries and buttress a key ally in Latin America... The accord would also support the administration of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who has made great progress in putting down the drug trade while reducing violence against labor organizers, a key concern of U.S. unions.''
- The Kansas City Star, April 13, 2008
''...[T]he agreement creates balance in a policy that is lopsided. Most of Colombia's exports to the U.S. are not subject to tariffs, while U.S. goods face taxes of up to 35%. Reducing tariffs in both countries is good for Colombia, but it's even better for the U.S.''
- Los Angeles Times, April 12, 2008
''The FTA would immediately open the Colombian market to more than 80 percent of U.S. exports with remaining tariffs to be phased out over 10 years. Behind every U.S. export is a U.S. job.''
-The Oklahoman, April 11, 2008
''The free trade agreement would level the playing field for American businesses and their workers. Most Colombian products enter the U.S. duty free. But American-made industrial and consumer products face tariffs of up to 35%, with even higher duties for some agricultural products. More exports equal more jobs.''
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 12, 2008
''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.''
- San Francisco Chronicle, April 11, 2008
''To be sure, the American economy would benefit. Most Colombian goods arrive easily in this country. In contrast, American exports encounter stiff tariffs in Colombia. Those levies would be removed, opening the Colombian market to American companies. Caterpillar, for one, is eager to sell there. There is diplomatic value in working effectively with a regional neighbor, one struggling to contain violence driven by the drug trade.''
-Akron Beacon Journal, April 14, 2008
''Doing business with Colombia is, in fact, one of the many ways we can strengthen our economy. Colombia's economy is booming, and the United States supplies 40 percent of its imports. Colombia purchased $6.7 billion in U.S. exports in 2006 alone. There are lots of other strong arguments to be made, but we suspect this has little to do with logic and everything to do with election-year politicking. ''
- The Dallas Morning News, April 16, 2008
Colombia Deserves a Vote!
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|  | |  | | Did you know?
| | | U.S. companies and farmers have paid the Colombian government nearly $1 billion in tariffs since the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement was signed more than 500 days ago, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Implementing the agreement would sweep away these tariffs -- most of them immediately. Faced with tough economic times, American workers and farmers could surely find better uses for this money.
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| | | | Overheard
| | | ''There's just been a real transformation in this country... This is a country that has made tremendous strides to provide security for its population''
- Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT)
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