Rep. Bill Foster's Releases Statement on Colombia Trade Pact Procedural

Press Release

Representative Bill Foster (D-IL 14) released the following statement regarding a procedural motion affecting the consideration of the Colombia Trade Pact.

"I am disappointed the President has chosen the path of confrontation instead of cooperation.

"The American people expect us to work together and solve problems, but nothing about the President's action to force Congress' hand on this trade pact suggests he understands this.

"As a freshman member who was sworn in a mere four weeks ago, I am eager to hear the views of my constituents - from labor organizations such as the AFL-CIO and the UAW, farmers in the west of my district, the business community, workers at Caterpillar, and the ordinary citizen - as they are the ones I am sworn to represent.

"The middle class is being squeezed in this country and they are very concerned that this administration supports trade stances that do not protect their jobs, the environment or promote human rights.

"They are also painfully aware at how this President rushes into decisions without thinking about the real consequences.

"My vote today signals my commitment to exhausting the due diligence necessary to achieve the most favorable outcome for the people of the 14th District. As part of that effort, I look forward soliciting their views on the matter, and listening to their needs and concerns this Saturday, April 12, at the Oswego Business Expo, when I will host the fourth session of Congress on Your Corner. I want to make sure we get this trade agreement right instead of rushing to a conclusion that could be unfair to so many."

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