Change To Win Applauds Speaker Pelosi For Blocking Vote On Colombia Free Trade Agreement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2008

CONTACT: Greg Denier
Noreen Nielsen
(202) 721-0660

WASHINGTON, DC -- The following is a statement from Change to Win chair Anna Burger regarding U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announced plans to delay a vote on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

"Change to Win applauds Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for resisting strong-arm tactics by the White House and reasserting congressional authority over our nation's trade policies. The U.S. House should not bring the Colombia Free Trade Agreement to a vote this year. We need a new 'fair' trade model before any new trade agreements are considered.

"Colombia needs years, not months, to ensure the eradication of union killings and impunity that have plagued that country for decades. Trade isn't 'free' when thousands are killed for standing up for their rights in the workplace. Since 1991, more than 2,500 workers have been murdered for trying to form unions -- more than 500 since the beginning of the Uribe administration -- and thousands more have been attacked, threatened and detained. Yet the Colombian government has done nothing to effectively stop death squads from murdering workers for trying to form unions.

"While Americans are struggling to achieve the American Dream, Congress needs to act to extend unemployment insurance, fund infrastructure projects, pass Trade Adjustment Assistance, extend the Children's Health Insurance Program, and provide immediate help to homeowners being foreclosed upon and students in danger of losing their college loans. But make no mistake. Change to Win will continue to strongly oppose the Colombia pact. There can be no vote and no deals on this agreement."

** Note: Media representatives interested in scheduling an interview to discuss Change to Win's position on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement should contact Noreen Nielsen at Noreen.nielsen@changetowin.org.**