[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 14 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Page 510]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on House of Representatives Action on 
Colombia Free Trade Agreement Legislation

April 10, 2008

    Today's unprecedented and unfortunate action by the House of 
Representatives--led by Speaker Pelosi--to change the rules governing 
legislation to implement our trade agreement with Colombia is damaging 
to our economy, our national security, and our relations with an 
important ally. It also undermines the trust required for any 
administration to negotiate trade agreements in the future.
    By lowering tariffs for products made in America and sold in 
Colombia, this trade agreement would level the playing field for 
American workers and provide a boost for our economy at a vital time. 
Rather than supporting the opening of markets for our farmers and 
manufacturers, Democratic congressional leaders instead listened to 
narrow special interests and followed an isolationist path.
    Today's action by the House of Representatives also sends a damaging 
message to the world that Congress cannot be counted on to keep its 
promises. Colombia is one of our strongest allies in the Western 
Hemisphere. Colombia's leaders are showing courage in improving the 
safety of their citizens while battling narcoterrorists that receive 
support from anti-American forces outside Colombia. The message 
Democrats sent today is that no matter how steadfastly you stand with 
us, we will turn our backs on you when it is politically convenient.
    In addition, by changing the rules for how it considers legislation 
to implement trade agreements, the House has severed a bond of trust 
between the executive branch and the Congress, and with our trading 
partners, that has served our Nation well for decades. In order to 
negotiate trade agreements, we empower our trade representatives with 
the promise that Congress will consider trade agreements with a timely 
up-or-down vote. By breaking this bond, Democrats have undercut not just 
this administration, but future administrations as well. This will 
weaken our Nation's ability to negotiate fair trade agreements for 
American workers, farmers, ranchers, and service providers.
    During the 16 months since the Colombia free trade agreement was 
signed, my administration has gone above and beyond any reasonable 
effort to achieve a bipartisan path for considering this agreement. At 
the expense of our economy and our national security, the House has 
instead chosen to take a shortsighted and partisan path.