Thursday, October 13, 2011

Isakson Praises Senate Passage of Free Trade Agreements
Trade Agreements With South Korea, Panama and Colombia Will Create Tens of Thousands of American Jobs,
Increase U.S. Exports By $13 Billion Annually

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., who serves on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, today praised the Senate passage of three free trade agreements, which are projected to create tens of thousands of American jobs without adding to the national debt.

The three free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia passed the Senate on Wednesday evening by votes of 83 to 15, 77 to 22 and 66 to 33, respectively, with Isakson voting in favor of all three. The House also approved the three trade deals on Wednesday evening.

“These three free trade agreements are good examples of solutions that will boost the economy and put Americans back to work without adding to our enormous national debt,” said Isakson. “These trade agreements will increase U.S. exports of goods and services by $13 billion annually and will positively impact Georgia agriculture, which is vital to the state’s economy.”

Isakson has long-called on President Obama to submit the free trade agreements to Congress, which a president is required to do before the House and Senate can vote on them.  President Obama waited until last week to submit these free trade agreements to Congress for approval even though they have been ready to send to Congress for three years.

According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, the agreements will increase U.S. exports by $13 billion annually, supporting tens of thousands of American jobs.