[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 4638]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              UNITED STATES-COLOMBIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  The strongest argument that can be made for the U.S.-Colombia Free 
Trade Agreement is not that it is good for Colombia but that it is good 
for us. The U.S. has few barriers to trade, so currently most of 
Colombia's exports enter the U.S. with few or no restrictions. But 
Colombia has many barriers to our goods. This is what opponents of the 
agreement can't seem to grasp: The Free Trade Agreement will remove 
Colombia's barriers to U.S. goods. Of course Colombia will benefit 
economically but we will benefit more.
  The second strongest argument is that our friends and enemies in this 
hemisphere are watching how we treat a loyal ally that is being 
threatened from many sides. If we do not pass this agreement, Mr. 
Speaker, and it is clearly in our interest to do so, the only possible 
conclusion that these countries can come to is that we made a 
deliberate choice to back away from an ally at this most crucial and 
critical time.
  Mr. Speaker, this debate should be more about how this agreement will 
impact in a positive way our U.S. economy. An honest debate can have 
only one outcome--strong support for passage of the U.S.-Colombia Free 
Trade Agreement and as soon as possible.
  The capital of Colombia is only 3 hours away from my district in 
Miami, Florida. The strong ties that have developed between our 
communities are symbolic of the enduring friendship that our Nation 
shares with Colombia. As Florida's seventh largest global trading 
partner, passage of the FTA has the potential to boost Florida's 
exports to Colombia by $161 million in just the first year. Also 
significant is the agreement's ability to support the creation of 
nearly 5,000 new jobs throughout the State within the first 3 years of 
its passage. The positive impact that this FTA could have for the 
prosperity and security of our two nations, and indeed the hemisphere 
as a whole, cannot be denied. Serving as the steadfast bulwark against 
radical, anti-American regimes throughout the region, Colombia has 
proven time and time again its commitment to respecting human rights 
and democracy.
  Now it is time for us to step up, Mr. Speaker, and not only support 
Colombia's efforts but provide Americans here at home the opportunity 
to benefit from our trade relationship as well. We hope that this trade 
agreement will be before us as rapidly as possible.

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