Free Trade Agreements
The issue of Free Trade Agreements is important to our district and to my work in Congress.
Free Trade Agreements
American hard-work and ingenuity have placed our nation in the lead of developed economies for decades. Free trade is integral to promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and raising the standard of living in the United States and abroad. In order for the United States to remain competitive, it is important that we work with other nations to trade freely.
Currently pending before the 112th Congress are Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.
Colombia is our strongest ally in Latin America and the oldest functioning democracy in the region. Passing the Colombia Free Trade Agreement would eliminate trade barriers and immediately boost U.S. exports to Colombia. U.S. GDP would increase by roughly $2.5 billion and exports by over a billion, creating thousands of jobs in the United States.
The United States is Panama’s largest trading partner. In 2008, the U.S. had a trade surplus with Panama totaling $4.3 billion, the eighth-largest surplus maintained with any U.S. global trading partner. Panama is also in a strategic global position that is a natural crossroads for commerce, especially between the United States, other Latin American countries and Asia.
The South Korean agreement has received the most attention of the deals. It holds the potential to create thousands of American jobs, increase U.S. gross domestic product by $10-$12 billion, and continue a partnership with a democratic ally in Asia that has a strong record on labor rights and environmental protection.
For more information concerning my work and views on the pending Free Trade Agreements, please contact my Washington, DC office.
I look forward to your feedback.
Thank you.