State GOP Congressional delegation calls on Dems to consider Colombian free trade

In a letter sent today to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the Democratic members of Congress from Washington, Reps. Dave Reichert (R-08), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-05) and Doc Hastings (R-04) pushed for the Democrats to change their decision on the Colombian Free Trade Agreement.

"As members of the Washington State delegation we urge you to reconsider tomorrow's vote to delay consideration of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement and instead bring it before the House under regular order," they said in the joint letter.

"Delaying free trade agreements signals to our allies that America is closed for trade, and encourages our rivals to exploit new markets. This is unequivocally the wrong message to send in this time of economic uncertainty."

Reichert recently traveled to Colombia to meet with President Alvaro Uribe and a diverse set of groups who favor the trade agreement. He said that he left the country even more convinced of the deal's importance, and finds the politics of the situation appalling.

"Speaker Pelosi's decision to actually change the rules of the House in order to derail consideration of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement is shocking," Reichert said in a news release. "At a time of economic uncertainty, I am disappointed that the Speaker would let special interests trump debating a measure that is critical to Washington State and that grows our economy, creates jobs, and furthers positive relations with a strategic ally."