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Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Monday, April 7, 2008

202-482-4883

Statement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Promotion Agreement

HIALEAH, FLORIDA—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

“Today, President Bush signed a letter to Congress that will transmit legislation to implement the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement—to ensure a vote on the Agreement this year.

“The President’s action today underscores the importance of trade to the U.S. economy and comes with the Administration’s commitment to continue our dialogue with Congress on the renewal and improvement of Trade Adjustment Assistance.

“Colombian goods have entered the U.S. market duty-free for more than 16 years. This Agreement will level the playing field for U.S. industry and agriculture by replacing one-way trade preferences with fair, two-way free trade that will boost U.S. exports made by American workers and farmers.

“This Agreement will strengthen democracy throughout the Hemisphere. It will show the Colombian people, and millions across the region, that America supports nations that choose democracy, rule of law, and free enterprise over the empty promises of false populism and isolationism.

“The Bush Administration has worked diligently and in a bipartisan spirit to make the case for the Colombia agreement. We have hosted trips to Colombia for more than 50 Members of Congress to demonstrate the progress Colombia has made in reducing violence and strengthening democracy. Colombia is an ally engaged in a struggle to promote and preserve democracy in Latin America. Much is at stake right now for the United States and the entire Hemisphere.

“We look forward to working with Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Rangel on moving the free trade agreement and trade adjustment assistance processes forward. I would urge Congress to support this agreement and schedule a vote.”