Statement by the President

CRAWFORD, Texas--(Business Wire)--
Today's unprecedented and unfortunate action by the House of
Representatives - led by Speaker Pelosi - to change the rules
governing legislation to implement our trade agreement with Colombia
is damaging to our economy, our national security, and our relations
with an important ally. It also undermines the trust required for any
Administration to negotiate trade agreements in the future.

By lowering tariffs for products made in America and sold in
Colombia, this trade agreement would level the playing field for
American workers and provide a boost for our economy at a vital time.
Rather than supporting the opening of markets for our farmers and
manufacturers, Democratic congressional leaders instead listened to
narrow special interests and followed an isolationist path.

Today's action by the House of Representatives also sends a
damaging message to the world that Congress cannot be counted on to
keep its promises. Colombia is one of our strongest allies in the
Western Hemisphere. Colombia's leaders are showing courage in
improving the safety of their citizens while battling narco-terrorists
that receive support from anti-American forces outside Colombia. The
message Democrats sent today is that no matter how steadfastly you
stand with us, we will turn our backs on you when it is politically
convenient.

In addition, by changing the rules for how it considers
legislation to implement trade agreements, the House has severed a
bond of trust between the executive branch and the Congress, and with
our trading partners, that has served our Nation well for decades. In
order to negotiate trade agreements, we empower our trade
representatives with the promise that Congress will consider trade
agreements with a timely up-or-down vote. By breaking this bond,
Democrats have undercut not just this Administration, but future
Administrations as well. This will weaken our Nation's ability to
negotiate fair trade agreements for American workers, farmers,
ranchers, and service providers.

During the 16 months since the Colombia free trade agreement was
signed, my Administration has gone above and beyond any reasonable
effort to achieve a bipartisan path for considering this agreement. At
the expense of our economy and our national security, the House has
instead chosen to take a short-sighted and partisan path.

White House Press Office
1-202-456-2580

Copyright Business Wire 2008