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Congressman McCaul Applauds Release of Hostages Urges Passage of Colombia Free Trade Agreement

July 3, 2008

AUSTIN – Following the heroic rescue of 15 hostages, including three American contractors from leftist guerrillas in Columbia, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) applauded the Colombian government for its commitment to combating terrorists in its country.

"This rescue sends an important message to the world that Colombia, our strongest ally in South America, can be trusted to defend democracy and not let the terrorists have their way," said Rep. McCaul. "It gives the United States additional cause to support Colombia’s strengthening democracy. And there is no better way to do that in Congress than by passing the Colombia Free Trade Agreement."

Democrats controlling Congress continue to show their allegiance to labor unions over the American people and the good of the U.S. economy. They have held up the proposed free trade agreement, even though it would either lift or diminish tariffs on U.S. exports to Colombia and give American businesses the same free trading environment that Colombian businesses enjoy in the United States.

Congressman McCaul believes that a free trade agreement with Colombia would, in turn, strengthen that country’s economy. And bordering Hugo Chavez’s Venezuela, it would also help protect U.S. interests in a hostile and unstable region.