Blunt: Congress Can Do Better on Trade Than ATPA

Calls on Majority to allow up-or-down vote on Colombian Free Trade Agreement

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) issued the following statement today after the House voted again to extend the Andean Trade Preference Act - originally passed 17 years ago as a short-term, provisional trade preference program intended to serve as a bridge to creating a long-term trade agreement:

"It's with a great deal of reluctance that I support the extension of Andean trade preferences today - not because it's a bad program, but because Congress should be doing a whole lot more to build long-term relationships with our friends and allies in the hemisphere.

"Instead of passing another short-term extension, Congress should've used this opportunity to send an unambiguous message to the world - a message that, with friendship, comes distinct and long-term benefits, including the prospect of trade. The permanent trade deal with one of these Andean countries, our close ally Colombia, is long overdue for action in the House.

"What's most unfortunate is that many who continue to tout the merits of trade preferences for Colombia are the same members preventing a floor vote on a permanent trade deal. It's my hope Congress can find its way around this misguided approach to foreign policy, and allow its members to cast an up-or-down vote on a permanent trade deal with Colombia."

NOTE: Congressman Blunt penned a column (http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080226/COMMENTARY/321714439/1012) this week for the Washington Times that tracks the history of the Andean Trade Preference Act, and makes clear why it remains absolutely crucial that Congress help Colombia consolidate its gains by cultivating a long-term relationship centered on trade.

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Source: House Republican Whip Roy Blunt

CONTACT: Nick Simpson, Antonia Ferrier, or Chris Tucker,
+1-202-226-7022, all of the Office of House Republican Whip Roy Blunt

2008-02-27 19:01:03 0300164 PRNEWSWIRE