Washington, D.C.  - Today Congressman Kevin Brady (R- Woodlands) will be departing Houston to join a Congressional Delegation in Colombia, led by the White House's top trade negotiator, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab. Brady, a member of the House Trade Sub-committee, will be getting a firsthand look at a close democratic ally making inroads on fighting narcotics and the FARC terrorist group while growing its economy.

On a congressional delegation to Colombia, Congressman Brady looks over the city of Medellin, which, at one time, was labeled the most dangerous city in the world.

“By all accounts Colombia is making remarkable strides on stabilizing its country, lowering violence and growing its economy. With Congress considering strengthening our ties, I want to see the progress and challenges firsthand,” said Brady. “From a jobs standpoint, Colombia already buys a lot of chemicals, computers and machinery from Texas. With the right engagement they can be new customers for Texas agriculture, financial services and small businesses as well.”

MOVING FROM ONE-WAY TRADE TO TWO-WAY TRADE:

Under a current U.S. trade program designed to curb drug violence in the region, Colombia can already sell goods into America without paying duties.  The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will create two-way trade for American workers by allowing the U.S. to sell its products and services in Colombia without duties or barriers.  This will help increase U.S. exports abroad, and support good paying American jobs.  In turn, Colombia will gain permanent access to the U.S. market, and agree to higher business standards that will attract even more investment into its country.  This will create new opportunities and improve the lives of Colombians.

The U.S. - Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will provide particular benefits to U.S. farmers and ranchers by immediately eliminating Colombia’s duties on high quality beef, cotton, wheat, soybeans, key fruits and vegetables, and many processed foods upon entry into force of the agreement.

Listen in to Congressman Brady's news conference on the Columbia Trade Pact prior to his flight to Columbia on Friday, April 4th, 2008.