The Latino Coalition Decries Shameful Tactics on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement...

The Latino Coalition Decries Shameful Tactics on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement by Congress

LOS ANGELES--(Business Wire)--
Hector V. Barreto, chairman of The Latino Coalition (TLC,) issued
the following statement regarding recent congressional action on the
U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement:

"The Latino Coalition strongly criticizes the vote taken by the
U.S. House of Representatives to change the rules, which in effect
indefinitely postpones consideration of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade
Agreement.

"It is regrettable that the congressional leadership resorted to
this shameful maneuver. This was election-year politics at its worst.
This agreement is very beneficial to our economy, in particular small
and Latino-owned businesses, because it opens new export markets for
the United States and immediately levels the playing field with
Colombia.

"This action also sends the worst possible message to our friend
and ally Colombia that the United States cannot be trusted. As for our
detractors in the region, they could not have been handed better
propaganda to use against us.

"At a time when we should be strengthening our ties with Latin
America and demonstrating that we can be good partners, we instead
turn our backs. Unfortunately, this short-sighted action taken by the
U.S. House of Representatives may result in lasting damage and hamper
the efforts to open more international markets to U.S. products and
services."

About The Latino Coalition

The Latino Coalition (TLC) is a non-profit, nationwide
organization based in Los Angeles, CA, with offices in Washington, DC
and Mexico (Mexico City & Guadalajara). TLC was established to address
policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the
United States. TLC's agenda is to develop and promotes policies that
will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business,
economic and social development of Hispanics. For more information,
visit TLC's website at www.TheLatinoCoalition.com.

The Latino Coalition
Allen Gutierrez, 213-382-7638

Copyright Business Wire 2008