    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 10, 2008]
    [Pages 497-498]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on Colombia Free Trade
    Agreement Legislation
    April 10, 2008

        Today's unprecedented and unfortunate action by the House of
    Representatives--led by Speaker Pelosi--to
    change the rules governing legislation to implement our trade agreement
    with Colombia is damaging to our economy, our national security, and our
    relations with an important ally. It also undermines the trust required
    for any administration to negotiate trade agreements in the future.
        By lowering tariffs for products made in America and sold in
    Colombia, this trade agreement would level the playing field for
    American workers and provide a boost for our economy at a vital time.
    Rather than supporting the opening of markets for our farmers and
    manufacturers, Democratic congressional leaders instead listened to
    narrow special interests and followed an isolationist path.
        Today's action by the House of Representatives also sends a damaging
    message to the world that Congress cannot be counted on to keep its
    promises. Colombia is one of our strongest allies in the Western
    Hemisphere. Colombia's leaders are showing courage in improving the
    safety of their citizens while battling narcoterrorists that receive
    support from anti-American forces outside Colombia. The message
    Democrats sent today is that no matter how steadfastly you stand with
    us, we will turn our backs on you when it is politically convenient.
        In addition, by changing the rules for how it considers legislation
    to implement trade agreements, the House has severed a bond of trust
    between the executive branch and the Congress, and with our trading
    partners, that has served our Nation well for decades. In order to
    negotiate trade agreements, we empower our trade representatives with
    the promise that Congress will consider trade agreements with a timely
    up-or-down vote. By breaking this bond, Democrats have undercut not just
    this administration, but future administrations as well. This will
    weaken our Nation's ability to negotiate fair trade agreements for
    American workers, farmers, ranchers, and service providers.
        During the 16 months since the Colombia free trade agreement was
    signed, my administration has gone above and beyond any reasonable
    effort to achieve a bipartisan

    [[Page 498]]

    path for considering this agreement. At the expense of our economy and
    our national security, the House has instead chosen to take a
    shortsighted and partisan path.