Shadegg: “Everyday, in every way, Washington Democrats find more ways to harm America.” 

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman John Shadegg (R-AZ) today issued the following remarks after the House Democrats successfully altered the rules, in effect killing the Colombia Free Trade Act.  

“Colombia is one of our best friends and allies in the Hemisphere and today, we turned our back on them.  This bill would have been a demonstration of friendship; instead it became a blatant display of unreliability. 

Everyday, in every way, Washington Democrats find more ways to harm America.  The Administration held numerous meetings about the Colombia Free Trade Act with Members of Congress.  During these discussions, Congressional Democrats asked for, and received, environmental and labor concessions.  By killing the deal, the Democrats have again proven that they cannot be taken at their word.  Even worse, they have given our nation a similar reputation.   

Colombian goods already come into the United States tariff-free; today’s deal would have allowed for American goods to be exported to Colombia tariff-free.  

At a time when our economy is struggling, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has essentially cut off her nose to spite her face.  She and the Democrats destroyed a lucrative agreement that would have created countless American jobs and economic opportunities for the purpose of political grandstanding.  This is not leadership. ”