On the heels of the three year anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, today 34 House members, led by Congressman Doc Hastings (R-WA), sent a letter sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to allow an up or down vote on the pending agreement without further delay. As the letter states:

"For almost two decades, more than 90 percent of Colombian products have enjoyed open and duty-free access to American markets. At the same times, U.S. exports to Colombia face steep tariffs as high as 20 percent. This inequity has resulted in lost opportunities for American businesses and lost jobs for Americans."

"The Institute for International Economics estimates that implementation of the Agreement would cause the value of U.S. exports to Colombia to increase by 44 percent.  With our unemployment rate at a 26-year high lowering these trade barriers will help U.S. businesses create new jobs at a time when Americans need them the most – without spending more taxpayer money."

"At a time when our economy is struggling to recover, it is disappointing that Congress has not had the opportunity to vote on an agreement that levels that playing field with Colombia and bring billions of dollars in new revenue to American families and businesses. We request that you allow a vote on legislation to enact the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement before the House of Representatives."

Kudos to Congressman Hastings and his House colleagues for urging action on this important agreement.