Congressman Boehner Hails U.S.-Colombia Trade Pact Now in Effect, Part of the Republican Plan for Jobs

May 17, 2012

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following statement on the U.S.-Colombia trade pact taking effect:

“The first shipment of American-made goods arrives in Colombia today under the long-overdue trade pact between our nations, marking a new era of opportunity for economic growth, American jobs, and stronger ties with one of our most important allies in the region.

“The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which languished for years under a Democratic-controlled Congress, is a key part of the Republican Plan for America’s Job Creators. It will create thousands of new American jobs, add billions to our economy, and boost U.S. competitiveness. However, while the agreement taking effect today is welcome news for the millions of out-of-work Americans left behind by the Obama economy, more must be done.

“President Obama should build on the momentum of the three trade agreements passed by the Republican-led House last October and pursue new Trade Promotion Authority to facilitate a more robust trade agenda. It is also imperative that the Obama administration move swiftly to implement the Panama trade pact in the months ahead. The United States cannot afford to sacrifice jobs and economic opportunity as other nations seek to capitalize on our inaction.

“I again thank President Santos and the people of Colombia for their hard work and dedication to moving this trade pact forward, and look forward to this new chapter in our enduring economic and security partnership.”