House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) announced today that he will oppose the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, which is expected to come before Congress this summer. While the announcement is disappointing, Levin’s position is by no means representative of sentiment toward the agreement among other leading Democrats in Congress — or the head of the party himself:

Colombia dealt with some very difficult times and has now blossomed into a strong democracy that is respectful of human rights and is moving forward vigorously to provide economic opportunity for all of its people. President Santos I think is at the forefront of a progressive and thoughtful agenda within Colombia… now increasingly Colombia can be a role model for the rest of the region… we have developed an action plan for labor rights in Colombia, consistent with our values and interests, but more importantly, consistent with President Santos’ vision of a just and equitable society inside of Colombia. And we believe that this serves as a basis for us moving forward on a U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement.

--President Barack Obama, April 7, 2011

President Obama pledged to change U.S. trade policy by advancing trade agreements that offer a level playing field for American workers and that reflect American values on core issues like labor rights… And he did that with the U.S.-Colombia trade agreement through the negotiation of the Action Plan Related to Labor Rights…The Action Plan is designed to significantly increase labor protections in Colombia, and we are pleased that Colombia is meeting its commitments.

--U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, June 13, 2011

Colombia is a critical ally to the United States, and I strongly believe it is in our economic and national security interests to strengthen our ties by moving the Agreement forward. Colombia has made significant progress in addressing worker rights and violence against workers, and I look forward to continuing to work with Colombia on what needs to be done so that we can advance this Agreement and the other two pending trade agreements very soon.

--House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), April 20, 2011

The Colombia Free Trade Agreement will increase U.S. exports, create good-paying jobs here at home and help cement our leadership in opening global markets. Free Trade Agreements like this one have huge potential to help American ranchers, farmers and manufactures grow and create jobs by expanding into foreign markets. Moving forward with the Colombia Free Trade Agreement will reverse the steady loss of market share that U.S. agricultural products and manufactured goods have suffered while this agreement languished. The agreement between the Administration and Colombia on an action plan to build on the progress Colombia has made in strengthening labor rights, reducing violence and punishing violent offenders will allow us to move the Free Trade Agreement forward.

--Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT), April 6, 2011

As members of the New Democrat Coalition, we believe America needs a strong and proactive trade agenda to maintain our leadership in the global economy. By engaging globally we can expand opportunities for American businesses and workers, bolster economic growth and strengthen our national security... We believe it is essential that the U.S. move forward towards passage this year on remaining bilateral agreements with Panama and Colombia, both of which are critical for our economic and security interests.

--43 House members of the New Democrat Coalition, Letter to President Obama, April 1, 2011