Industry News

White House Submits FTAs to Congress

October 3, 2011


Earlier today, White House officials sent the long-awaited three pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama to Congress after reaching an agreement with House Republican Leaders regarding a path forward for the FTAs and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). Although Congress has ninety days to hold an up-or-down vote on each of the three agreements, President Obama would like the FTAs passed before South Korea’s President arrives in Washington for a state visit on October 13th. The House Ways and Means Committee has scheduled a mark-up of the bills for Wedenesday, October 5th.

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R- OH) has stated that he will make passing the three FTAs a priority in the House, and said that he expects they will be approved “consecutively and in tandem” with TAA legislation. According to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), the House intends to debate and pass the three FTAs, along the GSP/TAA bill next week. The Colombia implementing legislation includes renewal of the Andean Trade Preferences Act.

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