Recently, President Obama proposed creating a new department by combining the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) with most of the Department of Commerce and several other government agencies. The President suggests the move will streamline government, help small businesses and promote exports. However, placing USTR, one of the most nimble government agencies with a track record of creating jobs and expanding our economy, into a large government bureaucracy will do anything b... Read more

“These free trade agreements will further open important markets for Chrysler, Ford and GM exports, and protect American jobs. Our companies can make the best cars and trucks on the road and we are excited for the opportunities these agreements represent.” - American Automotive Policy Council “Congress and the administration have now given us the opportunity to improve our competitive position in these markets. The economic growth generated from the agreements will improve our economy and create... Read more

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, recently released three reports highlighting the economic benefits that the pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea will provide. Below are key excerpts from the reports on each of the agreements, highlighting the importance of swift passage of all three agreements. COLOMBIA Advance U.S. Jobs and Exports "Colombia has the third-largest economy in the Western Hemisphere south of Mexico. The FTA would quickly grow U.S.... Read more

This morning, the Committee on Ways and Means will hold a markup of the three long-pending, job-creating free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. All three agreements enjoy broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. For too long, America has sat on the sidelines, losing ground to foreign competitors in nations that have already implemented trade agreements with these countries. The time to act is now. Creating Quality U.S. Jobs Passing all three pending trade agr... Read more

A recent publication by Third Way highlights the stories of ten iconic American products and services and shows how passing the pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea can help consumers abroad “buy American” by reducing foreign barriers to American exports on everything from medical devices to French fries. Excerpts from the report include: "Fortunately, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) would level the playing field for U.S. vintners by immediately eliminating... Read more

As the Wall Street Journal noted today, the recent implementation of the South Korea-EU trade agreement is having an immediate and positive impact on both countries. In the days following implementation of the agreement: 1. EU exports to South Korea increased by 16 percent 2. South Korea's exports to the EU increased 17.4 percent So, while Washington waits to act on the long-pending, job-creating trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia, our foreign competitors are rapidly moving t... Read more