The Latino Coalition Urges Congressional Passage of Pending Trade Agreements

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2008

WASHINGTON -- The Latino Coalition today urged the U.S. Congress to permit votes on the pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that through July, U.S. exports increased by 18.3 percent to $1.1 trillion compared to the same period in 2007, even though the nation recorded a $400 million trade deficit. The department also noted that the non-petroleum trade deficit decreased by nearly 33 percent.

"The U.S. Congress must allow an up or down vote on U.S. free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea," said Manuel Rosales, director for legislative affairs for The Latino Coalition. "These agreements will create additional export markets for Latino businesses and will help to create jobs right here in the U.S. and grow our economy."

The U.S. Colombia Free Trade Agreement was signed over 660 days ago. Earlier this year the U.S. House of Representatives indefinitely postponed the vote on the Colombia agreement by changing long-standing rules requiring a vote on a free trade agreement within 90 days after formal submission by the president.

"We need to show our trading partners through concrete actions that the U.S. is open for business," said Rosales. "The strongest message we can send is by having Congress approve these trade agreements with our friends and close allies."

About The Latino Coalition

The Latino Coalition (TLC) is a non-profit, nationwide organization based in Los Angeles, CA, with offices in Washington, DC and Mexico (Mexico City & Guadalajara). TLC was established to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. TLC's agenda is to develop and promotes policies that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic and social development of Hispanics. For more information, visit TLC's website at www.TheLatinoCoalition.com.