During Economic Downturn Boozman Votes For Trade Parity

Press Release

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) voted today against House Resolution 1092, which allows House leadership to delay, indefinitely, a vote on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Virtually all Colombian exports enter the United States duty free, while the U.S. stills pays up to 35 percent tariffs on manufactured goods and up to 80 percent tariffs on agricultural goods. FTA will reduce the average tariffs of U.S. exports by nearly 70 percent.

"With a market of 44 million people, Colombia is a valuable trading partner with the U.S.," Boozman said. "Congress must pass the Colombia FTA in a timely manner so that American businesses and workers can have a fair trade agreement that keeps them competitive in a global marketplace."

In 2007, the growth of U.S. exports accounted for 40 percent of the growth in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). American exports to our FTA partner countries has risen 40 percent faster than exports to the rest of the world.

"During this time of economic uncertainty it makes sense to level the playing field and give our American exporters the trade parity they need and deserve," Boozman said.

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