IV 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1562 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 27, 2010 Mr. Minnick (for himself, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Kind, Mr. Cao, Mr. Olson, Mr. Boozman, and Mr. Reyes) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means RESOLUTION Recognizing the importance of trade to job creation and the United States economy and calling for the immediate implementation of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, United States-Panama Free Trade Agreement, and United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Whereas South Korea is the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner; Whereas Colombia is the United States’ largest agricultural market in South America; Whereas Panama is a center of global commerce and trade between the United States and Panama amounted to $5,500,000,000 in 2008; Whereas the United States is Panama’s largest trading partner; Whereas the agreement will be a step forward in government procurement mechanisms, especially in light of the Panama Canal expansion; Whereas the United States International Trade Commission estimates that the United States–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, United States–Panama Free Trade Agreement, and United States–Korea Free Trade Agreement, once implemented, would increase annual United States exports of goods alone by roughly $12,000,000,000; Whereas United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk said, the pending agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama, in particular, have value, and when we are fighting for every job on the table, we need to get these right so we can reap the benefit; Whereas United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk said, I believe there is enough value in [the pacts with] Panama and Colombia, particularly since we have already granted duty-free status to goods from both countries, You just can't make a credible case to deny us the return investment; Whereas United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said, “This administration will pursue trade agreements that are balanced [and] ambitious and improve market access for U.S. workers, firms, farmers and ranchers”; Whereas United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said, “Approving [the] pacts [with Colombia, South Korea, and Panama] are part of the administration's plan for boosting exports”; Whereas President Barack Obama said, “We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million jobs in America”; Whereas President Barack Obama said, Those who once would oppose any trade agreement now understand that there are new markets and new sectors out there that we need to break into if we want our workers to get ahead; Whereas President Barack Obama said, In a time when millions of Americans are out of work, boosting our exports is a short-term imperative; and Whereas President Barack Obama said, “We're going to strengthen relations with key partners, specifically South Korea, Panama, and Colombia, with the goal of moving forward with existing agreements in a way that upholds our values”: Now, therefore, be it

That— (1)the House of Representatives recognizes the importance of reducing trade barriers between the United States and key trade partners in order to increase exports, create jobs, stimulate the economy, and improve relations with international trade partners; and (2)it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, United States–Panama Free Trade Agreement, and United States–Korea Free Trade Agreement should be implemented immediately.