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Courtesy Jose Borjon,

Congressional Trade Coalition Dedicated to Advancing Pending Free Trade Agreements

Washington, D.C. – Members of the Congressional Pro-Trade Caucus (CPTC), a bipartisan coalition dedicated to promoting trade as a tool to spur economic growth and job creation in the United States, as well as Members of the Congressional Colombia Caucus and interested Members of Congress, hosted a trade policy briefing Thursday with the Colombian Ambassador to the United States, Gabriel Silva. The meeting was attended by more than a dozen bipartisan Members of Congress, including CPTC Chairman and founder Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28). “Trade is vital part of America’s economic engine. Trade fuels economic growth, creates jobs and supports millions of American workers,” said Congressman Cuellar. “We are continuing to build the political will to pass the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. These meetings ensure momentum to pass this and other economically beneficial trade policies for America are not lost.” This week’s meeting was organized to help Members of Congress understand how the pending Free Trade Agreement with Colombia will benefit their individual Congressional districts. Members of Congress and the Ambassador engaged in a positive dialogue over the status of the agreement moving forward. Several pro-trade lawmakers indicated they will persist in their effort to pass the agreement this year. Recently, President Obama welcomed Colombian President Juan Santos at the White House and the two took part in conversations over the trade agreement. The meeting was a step toward the U.S. joining other trade leaders who have deemed exports an important way to grow and sustain cross-cultural economies. “This agreement will create American jobs and continue our burgeoning economic growth,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Increasing trade not only provides American families with more affordable goods and services – it will also help services and manufacturing sectors drive job creation, which is estimated to increase domestic products by $2.5 billion. Exports in the first half of last year alone supported 10 million jobs and brought in $890 billion. Today, we live in a global market that is only growing larger. We must be ready to meet the challenges that come with emerging and growing markets.” “I have long awaited the announcement of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and will work with my colleagues in Congress and with the Executive Branch to move swiftly on its implementation,” Congressman Cuellar said. “This agreement with the United States ensures our country remains competitive on a global front – with countries like China and the European Union, which have already sought partnerships with Colombia.” The bipartisan Congressional Pro-Trade Caucus (CPTC) is dedicated to advancing an international trade policy that keeps the United States globally competitive. For more information on Congressman Cuellar’s involvement with other trade issues, please visit: http://www.cuellar.house.gov/Issues/Issue/?IssueID=3829