Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Today's Announcement of the Action Plan Related to the U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement

(WASHINGTON, DC)– Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) released the following statement in regards to today’s announcement of the action plan related to U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement:

“Today’s announcement of an agreed upon “Action Plan Related to Labor Rights” that will pave the way toward Congressional consideration of the U.S. – Colombia Trade Agreement is a welcome step in the right direction. Colombia has made great strides in its effort to move beyond years of violent conflict. In turn, we must make progress toward deepening our economic ties with a steadfast ally.

“The U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement is the right thing to do in order to level the playing field for U.S. businesses, and now is the right time to move as our nation continues to bounce back from a steep recession. While U.S. tariffs on Colombian manufactured goods averaged just 0.1% last year, Colombia imposes an effective average tariff of 15% on U.S. manufactured goods — and even higher duties on U.S. agricultural products. The budget neutral trade agreement has the potential to create jobs as America’s small businesses, service providers, ranchers and farmers wait for the opportunity to have duty free access to the Colombian market. Once implemented, the agreement will also remove non-tariff barriers that can be such costly impediments for small enterprises.

I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress as the “Action Plan” takes shape, and we move toward approval of the accord in the near future.”