CONGRESSMAN CUELLAR, CHAIR OF THE PRO-TRADE CAUCUS, VOTES TO APPROVE FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH PANAMA, COLOMBIA AND SOUTH KOREA
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Oct 13, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Jose Borjon,
Trade Agreements will create over 250,000 jobs in America, fuel national and South Texas economy
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), founder and Chair of the Pro-Trade Caucus, voted for passage of the Free Trade Agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea. The three bills passed the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday evening. “America has been handed a good deal today. The Free Trade Agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea are not only beneficial for U.S. companies and our international relations, but the deals will create American jobs to help rehabilitate our country’s economy at a time most needed,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I am pleased with the highly bipartisan agreements that will advance international trade, keep the U.S. competitive, and create a quarter of a million American jobs.”
President Obama formally submitted the three Free Trade Agreements to Congress on October 3, 2011. The trade agreements will improve and jolt our export market, making it easier for U.S. businesses to sell American goods to Panama, Colombia and South Korea. The deals have economic significance at home and abroad: it is estimated the trade deals could increase U.S. exports by $13 billion annually, reduce tariffs, and strengthens foreign relations with key strategic partners.
“As the Chairman of the Pro-trade Caucus and representing a trade-centric district in South Texas, I strongly supported the passage of the trade agreements,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Laredo, Texas, my hometown, is home to the nation’s largest inland trade post and the 6th largest trade port. These Free Trade Agreements will have a trickle effect in creating jobs in the 28th District of Texas and the rest of the state of Texas. By leveling the playing field with 21st century trade deals, we increase American exports abroad and spur domestic job creation.”
These agreements have gained wide bipartisan support in Congress and amongst organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Texas Instruments, and the American Farm Bureau Association. Today, trade plays a vital role in the employment market by supporting 50 million American jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury.
