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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) voted today in favor of a trade measure that provides economic hope to the world's poorest people, in Africa, in our own Hemisphere, and around the world.
"This bill extends to our neighbors and friends in sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti, and the Andean region of Latin America trade benefits that help to stimulate economic growth and provide jobs for their people.
"The trade bill also supports businesses and workers here in the U.S. by giving them a break on unnecessary tariffs, so they are able to pass more of their dollars back to their employees and customers. And it helps ensure American companies won't be left behind while our competitors overseas benefit from Vietnam's recent entry into the global trading system.
"In Texas, I see first hand every day just how much trade, particularly with those in our hemisphere, benefits our economy, our communities, our nation and those of our partners.' It is our livelihood. Billions of dollars in cargo moves through Texas ports each year from Latin America - economic activity that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in Texas alone.
"Under a long-standing, bi-partisan program, our Latin American neighbors in Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Ecuador currently receive trade benefits that have created millions of jobs in the region - meaningful jobs that offer an alternative to the drug trade and guerilla warfare, and contribute to stabilization and economic growth in the region - all of which are in America's interest.
"This legislation continues the Andean program over the short-term to encourage approval of already negotiated trade promotion agreements with Peru and Colombia that are critical to the long-term economic development of both of these nations. These agreements hold the promise of economic progress and stability for the region, and offer U.S. manufacturers, farmers, and service providers millions of new customers and investment opportunities.
"Leaders in Peru and Colombia want to see their residents lifted out of poverty, and they know that the best way to improve the lives of citizens is to offer them the hope that employment and a steady paycheck provides. Trade makes this possible, and we must stand with them."
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