Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas), together with Congressman Jerry Weller (R-Illinois) and fellow Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Charles Rangel; Ranking Member Jim McCrery; Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee Sander Levin; and Ranking Member of the Trade Subcommittee Wally Herger today calling for a Committee hearing to consider the merits of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

The Colombia agreement, which would lower trade barriers in the Colombian market to U.S. goods and services and help strengthen America’s relationship with a key ally in a volatile part of the hemisphere, was negotiated by the Administration, but must be approved by the U.S. Congress before it can go into effect.   Democrat leaders continue to resist the Agreement, citing concerns over labor violence in the country and refusing consideration through the legislative process.  

“I strongly believe approving the Colombia TPA is the right thing to do – for U.S. and Colombian workers and businesses, and for our national security,” said Congressman Brady.   “Other thoughtful people share a share a different perspective.  But that doesn’t mean we should turn a blind eye to Colombia.   Congress needs to act – and the first step is deliberating the merits of this pending agreement now through a hearing.

“Such a hearing would also allow those individuals concerned that Colombia has done too little to address labor violence have their voices heard – and it will allow those who believe Colombia has made significant progress in addressing violence toward labor union leaders and others convey their views as well. 

“And importantly, it will allow Congress an opportunity to debate the true merits of this agreement.  This is the legislative process we seek, and I hope the leadership of the Ways and Means Committee will agree.”

In addition to Congressmen Brady and Weller, the letter was signed by Congressmen Dave Camp, Jim Ramstad, Sam Johnson, Jerry Weller, Kenny Hulshof, Ron Lewis, Thomas Reynolds, Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor, John Linder, Devin Nunes, Patrick Tiberi, and Jon Porter.

Congressman Kevin Brady is a six-term Member of Congress who sits on the Joint Economic Committee, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Trade Sub-committee, which has jurisdiction over U.S. trade policy.   Mr. Brady led a successful three-year fight in Congress to pass the United States-Central American Free Trade Agreement.