Relating to the Consideration of H.R. 5724, United States-Colombia Trade Promotions Agreement Implementation Act

Floor Speech

Relating to the Consideration of H.R. 5724, United States-Colombia Trade Promotions Agreement Implementation Act

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1092, a rule to suspend fast track procedures for the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). U.S. trade policy should promote democracy based on the protection of fundamental human rights. However, by sending the Colombia FTA to Congress, President Bush has disregarded the rights of workers in Colombia and the needs of working families in the U.S.

Since the 1980s, more than 2,500 workers have been assassinated in Colombia for joining, forming, or leading labor unions. More unionists are killed in Colombia each year than the rest of the world combined. We should not be engaging in free trade policies with a nation whose human rights record is so abysmal.

Our Nation's economy is struggling. The United States lost a record of 80,000 jobs in the month of March alone. The cities in the 32nd Congressional District that I represent have seen unemployment rates soar to more than 7 percent. In this time of economic turmoil, Congress must work to restore the economic security of working- and middle-class Americans.

This rule prioritizes the needs of American workers by removing the timeline for House action on this trade agreement. I strongly support this rule and urge my colleagues to vote for final passage.

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