| Contacts: | Jennifer Pareti tel: 703-907-7079 e-mail: jpareti@CE.org |
Jenny Pareti tel: 703 907 7079 e-mail: jpareti@CE.org |
HOUSE ACTION ON COLOMBIA TRADE PROMOTION AGREEMENT SENDS “UNFORTUNATE MESSAGE,” SAYS CEA’S SHAPIRO
| Arlington, Virginia | 4/10/2008 |
Earlier today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to change the rules requiring a vote on the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. The following statement may be attributed to Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® President and CEO Gary Shapiro:
"With its action today, the House has sent an unfortunate message to the world that it doesn't believe that U.S. workers and businesses can compete in a global marketplace. Approval of this agreement is a no-brainer. Almost every editorial board has endorsed it. It would create jobs and export opportunities for Americans in a time of economic uncertainty. Our politicians have forgotten that the American interest should trump politics.
“The sad irony of today's vote is just weeks ago Congress gave Colombian companies tariff-free access to U.S. markets. Now, Congress denies U.S. workers and companies the same access to the Colombian market that Colombian companies have in the United States. And by reneging on the process for approving agreements, Congress is handicapping the next President's ability to negotiate with countries that will naturally prefer to negotiate trade agreements with other industrialized nations that play by the rules.
“We urge the Congress to move quickly to approve the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement."
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.
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HOUSE ACTION ON COLOMBIA TRADE PROMOTION AGREEMENT