Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
USA Today
April 15, 2008
Pg. 5
President Bush stepped up pressure Monday on Congress to approve a controversial free-trade pact with Colombia, saying the deal is "dead" unless House Speaker Nancy Pelosi schedules a vote.
After a Cabinet meeting, Bush said it's not in America's interest to "stiff an ally" like Colombia.
He sent the agreement to Capitol Hill earlier this month, but the House of Representatives, led by Democrats, voted last week to eliminate a rule forcing a vote on trade deals within 60 legislative days. The decision likely kills consideration of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement this year.
"This free-trade agreement is in our national interests," Bush said.
Pelosi, who initiated the rules change, has said that whether the agreement is dead for the year depends on the good faith of negotiations between Democrats and the White House.
Responding to Bush, the California Democrat told reporters that "for seven long years, the president's economic policies have stiffed" the American people.
The deal would eliminate tariffs on 80% of U.S. exports to Colombia, including products such as clothing, beef, cotton and fruit.
April 15, 2008
Pg. 5
President Bush stepped up pressure Monday on Congress to approve a controversial free-trade pact with Colombia, saying the deal is "dead" unless House Speaker Nancy Pelosi schedules a vote.
After a Cabinet meeting, Bush said it's not in America's interest to "stiff an ally" like Colombia.
He sent the agreement to Capitol Hill earlier this month, but the House of Representatives, led by Democrats, voted last week to eliminate a rule forcing a vote on trade deals within 60 legislative days. The decision likely kills consideration of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement this year.
"This free-trade agreement is in our national interests," Bush said.
Pelosi, who initiated the rules change, has said that whether the agreement is dead for the year depends on the good faith of negotiations between Democrats and the White House.
Responding to Bush, the California Democrat told reporters that "for seven long years, the president's economic policies have stiffed" the American people.
The deal would eliminate tariffs on 80% of U.S. exports to Colombia, including products such as clothing, beef, cotton and fruit.