WASHINGTON, DC. April 10, 2008 – Today Congressman Calvert (R-CA) denounced Speaker Pelosi’s (D-CA) decision to delay consideration of the Colombian Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

"Speaker Pelosi has changed the rules in the middle of the game; a move that not only harms our struggling economy but jeopardizes future trading relationships," said Rep. Calvert. "If we fail to pass the Colombian Free Trade Agreement, how will other countries trust the U.S. to follow through on future negotiations?"

The decision to delay a vote on the Colombian FTA, which is under 90-day fast track rules, would kill the bill and set a new precedent that would severely hinder any President’s ability to negotiate all future free trade agreements. Pelosi’s action endangers the South Korean free trade agreement which is critical to citrus, finance, automotive and beef industries.

Colombian goods currently enter the U.S. duty-free but American goods entering into Colombia are taxed. If ratified, the agreement would boost annual exports to Colombia by an estimated $1 billion. The agreement would be a boon to American businesses and workers at a time when the U.S. is struggling with slow growth and an increase in unemployment. The FTA would also help solidify an important relationship with a key ally in Latin America, a region with growing anti-U.S. sentiment. President Uribe has demonstrated his commitment to the war on terror and in combating the trafficking of narcotics.

"It is a disgrace that we are abandoning our friend and ally, and American businesses and workers, to serve a protectionist union-led agenda," said Rep. Calvert. "Speaker Pelosi needs to stop listening to a few special interests and start representing the American people."

###