STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON THE COLOMBIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement:

"I am profoundly dismayed by events in Congress that prevent an up or down vote on the Colombian Free Trade Agreement. It is critical that the United States meet its obligations and support an important ally in the battle against international narco-terrorism and a bulwark of democracy in Latin America.

"Colombia is a beacon of hope in a region where others are actively seeking to thwart economic progress and democracy. We must not turn our back on fledgling democracies in this region, and we must not turn our back on American workers when all they want is the right to sell them in other countries.

"This agreement was negotiated in good faith by Colombia and the United States. Members of Congress from both parties were consulted extensively throughout the negotiation process. Delaying approval of the Colombian Free Trade Agreement will not create one American job or start one American business. But rejecting this agreement will undercut America's standing with our allies not only in a critical region but also across the world."