Cornyn Comments on Colombia Free Trade Agreement

The more that I look into the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, the more I realize how important it is to agriculture -- and not only agriculture, but other industries as well. A large portion of our trade with Colombia is currently agricultural products. As the news release points out, this agreement is actually better for the U.S. in many ways than most trade agreements that come before Congress. Currently there are tariff barriers to many U.S. products going into Columbia which would be removed under this bill. On the other hand, there currently are no tariffs on the primary products that Columbia ships to the U.S. If Nancy Pelosi wasn't playing political power games with this agreement rather than allowing the representatives of the American people to vote on it, we would all soon benefit from its likely passage. Instead, we are caught once again in the power struggle between those who would wield their power in the interest of their own personal gain or the gain of very narrow interest groups rather than in the interest of the majority of the people. I applaud Senator Cornyn for standing up and expressing his views on this important economic issue for the American people.

Cornyn Urges Congress To Pass U.S. - Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Says accord will boost Texas jobs, America’s security

Monday, April 14, 2008

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the President’s Export Council, on Monday urged Democrat House Leader Nancy Pelosi to reconsider her obstruction of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which would boost Texas job opportunities and bolster America’s national security.

Sen. Cornyn said Texas sends $2.3 billion in goods to Colombia, but America currently faces unilateral tariffs on those products. The accord levels the playing field and creates jobs and opportunity here in the United States, he added. “Last year, Texas led the nation in exports to Colombia… This agreement will remove those tariffs and allow U.S. manufacturers to sell even more goods to this large and growing market. And when...(complete news release here).