[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TO OUR FRIENDS IN COLOMBIA

  (Mr. RADEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. RADEL. Mr. Speaker, I was recently in the beautiful, spectacular, 
booming country of Colombia, in part reaffirming a relationship with 
our ally and friend, and also there to make sure our investments are 
safe.
  Our investments are safe, and they're paying off by growing the 
Colombian economy, and for you, the hardworking American taxpayer, 
growing our economy right here in the United States. Free trade and 
economic freedom mean that both countries prosper.
  Their economy is growing and the income inequality gap is getting 
smaller and smaller, meaning a larger middle class. When Colombia does 
well, the United States does well. And while we may have a few 
differences here and there with other countries in Latin America, let 
there be no doubt that Colombia is a bright, shining example for all of 
the world when we work together.
  So to our friends from all over Colombia: paisas, rolos, costenos, 
vallunos, opitas, llaneros, y Calenos.
  Using your native language, let's continue to share our common dream 
of opportunidad y libertad para todos: opportunity and freedom for all.

                          ____________________