[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 152 (Wednesday, October 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SOUTH KOREA, PANAMA, AND COLOMBIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 12, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
strong support of the South Korea, Panama, and Colombia Free Trade 
Agreements. It is estimated that, combined, these free trade agreements 
will create over 250, 000 jobs and will increase U.S. exports by $13 
billion dollars. Given the extraordinary economic challenges we face 
today, we must seize every opportunity which promises to stimulate our 
weakened economy and put Americans back to work.
  In the Texas' 30th district, merchandise exports support 64, 000 jobs 
and directly benefit 48 companies. In 2010, my congressional district 
exported $876 million worth of goods to South Korea, which directly 
supported nearly 2,250 jobs. The South Korea Free Trade Agreement will 
increase market access for the district's goods and services exports 
and reduce costs for imported raw materials.
  The State of Texas depends on world markets; last year alone, Texas' 
shipments of merchandise totaled $207 billion. Recently implemented 
trade agreements, such as the U.S.-Singapore agreement, which increased 
Texas exports to Singapore by 159 percent, prove that trade works for 
Texas.
  Despite the benefits we stand to reap as a result of passage of these 
agreements, we must not ignore the associated labor and human rights 
issues. The Obama Administration, along with Ambassador Kirk, have 
worked tirelessly to address these valid concerns. Specifically, 
Colombia has agreed to a Labor Action Plan which requires Colombia to 
fulfill a series of measures in defined time frames to advance the 
rights of its workers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass the South Korea, Panama, 
and Colombia Free Trade Agreements to ensure that America continues to 
remain at a competitive advantage when it comes to international trade. 
Our nation's economic growth depends on it.

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