Despite strong opposition from Democrats, President Bush on Monday signed a letter sending a controversial free-trade agreement with Colombia to Congress. The administration views the pact as a crucial piece of its foreign policy before Bush leaves office next year. "This agreement will advance America's national security interests in a critical region," Bush said Monday. "It will strengthen a courageous ally in our hemisphere. It will help America's economy and America's workers at a vital time. It deserves bipartisan support from the United States Congress." He added that, "Congress needs to move forward with the Colombian agreement, and they need to approve it as quickly as possible." Because the agreement was signed before Bush's fast-track authority expired in July 2007, Congress has 90 days to vote on the legislation but cannot change it.
The pact calls for Colombia to cut tariffs on imports of American goods, which would help boost U.S. exports. Bush said the agreement will also bolster the government of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe against threats from Venezuela and its president, Hugo Chavez. Chavez recently increased the presence of troops along the border with Colombia, and his government has met with Colombian rebels. Bush said that U.S. Congressional approval of the agreement "is the best way for America to demonstrate our support for Colombia." The trade deal has become an increasingly important political issue in the presidential campaign. On Sunday a top strategist for Hillary Clinton resigned after it was revealed that he met with Colombia officials about the agreement. Clinton is staunchly opposed to the accord and will likely have a vote on the bill when it comes to the Senate.
Journal of Commerce
