Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-South Louisiana) today praised the passage of three free trade agreements (FTA) through the Ways and Means Committee. The Ways and Means Committee, of which Boustany is a member, sent the three agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea to the full House of Representatives after months of delay by the Obama Administration.

“These three trade agreements spur much-needed job creation and economic growth for our state and our country.  They will promote exports of American goods and create high-paying jobs for Louisianans,” Boustany said. “With our ports, Louisiana is a leader in trade, as the state exported more than $40 billion in goods last year.  Louisiana is a maritime state and our businesses and farmers stand to gain tremendously from these agreements.  Delays in passage of these agreements have eroded our competitive standing around the world.  These agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea will play a large role in getting our nation’s economy back on track and must be approved now.”

According to the independent U.S. International Trade Commission, the three FTAs would increase American exports by $13 billion, create an estimated 250,000 new jobs in the United States and vastly expand markets for Louisiana farmers to sell their goods. 

Boustany continues to work to rebuild the U.S. economy, and believes trade is a key element for job growth and American competitiveness.  As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of implementing the three free trade agreements, which open new markets for American goods and strengthen Louisiana’s economic position on the global stage.

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