U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (Sen. Chuck Grassley)

2007 began with some Democrats demanding additional provisions in trade agreements before agreeing to implementation. The Administration agreed to a compromise that House Democratic leaders announced with fanfare on May 10.

The Administration then renegotiated our trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. Seven months later, this Congress has implemented only one of those agreements — with Peru.

The U.S.-Colombia trade agreement is next. Its economic benefits are clear. Bilateral exports and imports would increase. Colombia largely enjoys duty-free access to the United States under preference programs. This agreement would level the playing field.

There are also geopolitical considerations. President Chavez is seeking to expand his influence in South America wherever he can. Other governments are attempting to consolidate political power or are expropriating industries. They’re reaching out to countries hostile to the United States, such as Cuba and Iran.

Congress has to demonstrate that we stand by our allies. Remember, Colombia was a failed state. Its government is trying to reverse decades of violence and near-lawlessness. We cannot turn our back. We need to help to expand economic opportunities in Colombia.

I accepted the May 10 compromise on trade, labor, and the environment because, even with those changes, it remains in our national interest to implement our pending trade agreements. In 2008, the Democratic leadership in Congress needs to deliver on Colombia. A deal’s a deal.