McCarthy Statements on House Passage of Trade Promotion Agreements

McCarthy Statement on House Passage of the United States–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act

Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement following House passage of the United States – Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 3078):

"The United States–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will expand the market for American goods and products in Colombia's competitive economy and level the playing field for our exports. Foreign competitors such as China have made significant gains in Colombian markets while this export agreement has sat on the President's desk for nearly three years. For my home state of California, Colombia represents one of the fastest growing foreign export markets – showing a 148% increase in exports to Colombia since 1997. Colombia is California's 34th largest export market, and enacting this trade pact will only make it easier for California exports to enter the Colombian market while potentially increasing exports by $1 billion and creating jobs here at home. Colombia is a critical ally of the United States and this agreement will not only help create American jobs, but it will bolster our national security in the process."

LOCAL NOTE: In the 22nd District of California, an estimated 139,627 jobs are directly supported by exports. In 2010 alone, $44.3 billion in merchandise was exported from local businesses. Similar statistics abound across the country, and the potential for U.S. job growth only increases with these new agreements.

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McCarthy Statement on House Passage of the United States–South Korea Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act

Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement following House passage of the United States – South Korea Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 3080):

"South Korea is one of our strongest and most strategic allies. Passage of this agreement will only bring our two countries closer together by making it easier for American exports to enter the South Korean market. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that current California exports to South Korea support over 23,000 jobs and it's estimated that California alone will increase exports by billions of dollars, which means more American jobs and a stronger economy. I'm proud to support this common sense trade agreement that will benefit our entire nation."

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McCarthy Statement on House Passage of the United States–Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act

Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement following House passage of the United States – Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 3079):

"This is exactly the kind of action Washington needs to be taking to empower entrepreneurs and get Americans back to work. With the passage of this agreement, 87 percent of American industrial and consumer goods will enter Panama duty-free – immediately opening the door for job creation and economic growth here at home. In California's 22nd District, nearly a third of our exports go to the Americas, so our region in particular stands to benefit from this new agreement with Panama. I look forward to continuing to pass additional legislation that will grow our economy and create the jobs we need."