HOUSE Republican Leader John Boehner

Washington, Apr 9, 2008 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after reports indicated Democratic leaders may delay a vote on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which was sent to Congress from President Bush yesterday:  

“Any vote to delay the consideration of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement would violate the spirit of the law and undermine our ability to create more American jobs.  Let me be clearer: it would be cheating.  It would break a promise Democratic leaders made to the American people.  Worse, such an action would wreak havoc on our international trade commitments and any future attempts to negotiate any agreement with a foreign nation.  What nation would conclude a treaty with the United States knowing that Congress can change the rules of the game after it is negotiated?   

“If Democratic leaders delay consideration of the Colombia Free Trade agreement, they will sacrifice more than 200 years of international credibility for the shallowest possible short-term political gain.  This trade agreement is good for our farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and other American exporters, and it’s time for Democratic leaders to schedule a House vote to approve it.”   

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