Davis Statement on Democrats Colombia Move

Press Release

Davis statement on Democrats Colombia Move

Statement of Rep. Tom Davis in Opposition to H. Res. 1092

An ancient proverb cautions "Arrogance diminishes wisdom." Sadly, this proposal ignores that warning, indulging institutional arrogance at the expense of wise legislating. Based on the transparent façade the President's transmittal of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement violates a "protocol," the House today is asked to vitiate a law and a process upon which the Administration, the Congress and the people of Colombia have relied in good faith.

The alleged breach of manners? A claimed failure to consult the House on the agreement. But, as has been said, consultation has been extensive, and those consultations have had an impact. The government of Columbia has done a great deal - more than some may have thought wise, in fact - to address Democratic concerns about human rights, labor organizing and other issues.

It's called "fast track authority" for a reason. No argument about process niceties can change the meaning of those words. There is supposed be a deadline for a vote in this House. That's the very point of the requirement we're being asked to waive today.

In fact, the supposed failure to consult is just the latest pretext for the shameless politicization of free trade policy and the abandonment of a key ally. The perverse truth underlying the political battle lines over trade: This action would harm American interests at home and abroad. American workers would benefit from the provisions in this agreement as much or more than their Colombian brothers and sisters.

This Free Trade Agreement would spark a tremendous increase in trade from the United States to Colombia. High quality American goods like machinery would be available at lower prices in Colombia. The Agreement would therefore create jobs, spur investment, and improve our quality of life. The benefit is obvious, especially when compared to the minimal costs. Over 90% of Colombian goods already enter the US tariff-free thanks to the recently renewed Andean Trade Preference Act, so we would be sacrificing very little.

There are still subtler yet equally vital reasons to approve the FTA. Colombia is a proud democratic ally in Latin America. It is our closest friend in an area filled with nations opposed to our shared vision of harmonious relations. Colombia has also been beset by a dynamic Marxist insurgency, funded and succored by international drug trafficking and kidnapping. This movement has brought untold death, destruction, and other hardships to Colombia. In recent years, however, the tide has turned. Owing mostly to the steadfast determination of Colombians who seek peace, guided by the unwaveringly leadership of President Álvaro Uribe, and assisted by American funding and advice, the rebels are being defeated. I have been to Colombia many times, most recently in February, and I have seen first-hand the dramatic improvement in Colombia's security situation. By growing and diversifying the Colombian economy, the Free Trade Agreement would provide further incentive for guerillas to cease their quixotic quest for power while also demonstrating the benefits of free trade to those in neighboring countries whose leaders favor demagoguery while letting their economies fall behind.

Many Democratic leaders who oppose the agreement claim they do so because labor leaders are endangered in Colombia. This is an excuse, not a justification. I applaud the vitally important role played by Colombian labor officials. I unalterably oppose actual or threatened violence against them. More importantly, I know President Uribe agrees. His government has instituted widespread reforms to protect labor leaders and to promptly, efficiently, and legally respond to attacks against them. Since 2002, when President Uribe was inaugurated, violence directed at labor officials in Colombia has fallen 80%. These institutional changes and results are precisely what Democratic officials in the United States said would earn their support for the Free Trade Agreement. But now the goal posts have been moved. Democratic leaders, beholden to union bigwigs, refuse to do the right thing. This sorry spectacle will further confirm the views of those who believe America's image abroad is deteriorating.

Make no mistake about it, this action will effectively kill this agreement, despite empty claims to the contrary. Rather than ratify provisions which would significantly improve the economies of both the United States and Colombia and solidify relations with a key American ally, the Democratic Leadership prefers to cravenly supplicate themselves to their political allies in Big Labor.

Colombia has done what was asked of it. Now, the Democrats who run Congress should opt to help their constituents and aide an important ally. Legislating, like elections, is about choices. And changing the rules, moving the goal line beyond reach, is the wrong choice on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

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