August 15,2011

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Baucus Comment on Canada-Colombia FTA Entry into Force

MEMORANDUM

To: Reporters and Editors
From: The Communications Office of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Re: Baucus Comment on Canada-Colombia FTA Entry into Force

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) commented on Canada and Colombia’s announcement that the Canada-Colombia trade agreement entered into force today.  The entry into force of this agreement gives Canadian exporters an advantage over U.S. exporters in Colombia’s lucrative market.  Baucus has been fighting for months to move the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) forward to level the playing field for U.S. ranchers, farmers and businesses and create more U.S. jobs through increased exports to Colombia.  From Chairman Baucus:

“Canada’s trade agreement with Colombia gives our competitors a leg up and shows the importance of coming together quickly to pass America’s pending trade agreements and Trade Adjustment Assistance.  Every day our trade deal with Colombia languishes is a day U.S. ranchers and farmers can fall behind in this lucrative market, which is why we've been fighting so hard to pass the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.  Approving our trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and Korea in tandem with Trade Adjustment Assistance will increase exports by $13 billion for ranchers, farmers and businesses in Montana and across the country and create jobs here at home – and that’s why we cannot afford further delay.  As we open new markets for American goods with these free trade agreements, this package ensures we are fulfilling our duty to help provide U.S. workers the resources they need to succeed.  Working together to enact this package into law needs to be a top priority when we return in September to help create the jobs and economic opportunities American ranchers, farmers and workers need to prosper in this global economy." 

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