[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 1, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H1830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H1830]]
                   COLOMBIA TRADE PROMOTION AGREEMENT

  (Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, now that we are back in 
Washington, I am looking forward to passing a trade accord with 
Colombia. The agreement should be brought up before the House as soon 
as possible. Over 90 percent of U.S. imports from Colombia now enter 
our country duty-free. The agreement will provide U.S. companies and ag 
producers with duty-free access to the Colombian market.
  Colombia's market grew by 7 percent last year, and is already a top 
global export market for U.S. crops such as corn and cotton. With the 
trade accord in place, U.S. exports are projected to rise by more than 
$1 billion per year. The time is right. Opening new markets and 
strengthening existing ones is tremendously important to Nebraska's 
Third Congressional District and our Nation as a whole. It is my 
priority to help Nebraska's producers and industries continue to 
compete and succeed in the global market. I urge my colleagues to do 
the same.

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