U.S. Chamber Urges Talks on Colombia Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Expressing strong support for the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President for Government Affairs R. Bruce Josten issued the following statement today:

"We can't let today's unfortunate impasse on the Colombia trade agreement be the last word on this important economic issue. For the sake of American workers and farmers, we must move forward.

"Congress and the administration must redouble their efforts to find a way to secure approval of the Colombian trade agreement. A more robust trade adjustment assistance program can win bipartisan support while garnering the backing of both organized labor and the business community.

"Agreement on trade adjustment assistance can help secure Congressional approval of the agreement with Colombia, which will also bring real benefits for American workers and farmers. It will also provide a helping hand to our closest ally in South America. The stakes are too high to simply walk away from this agreement."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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