Published: 07-07-08
As the U.S. celebrates the release of three American hostages just in time for Independence Day
WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) a member of the House Ways & Means Committee’s Trade subcommittee says Columbia’s daring rescue of 15 hostages is “a tremendous victory” that is reuniting American contractors Marc Gonsalves Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell with their families just in time for Independence Day.
In response to this latest sign that Columbia is winning its battle with terrorism Congressman Brady says Congress must schedule a vote on the long languishing Columbia Free Trade Agreement because “it underscores the need for America to keep encouraging that kind of progress.”
The fact that no vote has been held on this important treaty for Texas and the nation as a whole “boggles the whole international community” said Brady who recently met with Columbian President Uribe during a Congressional Trade Mission to Columbia. “Its not fair trade the way we have it today” he added. Right now Texas businesses face a stiff tariff on goods sold to Columbia that the U.S. does not impose on Columbian goods.
