STATEMENT BY U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN ON COLOMBIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

“I am disappointed in the President's decision to bring the FTA into force so quickly. At a time when threats and murders of human rights and land rights leaders are escalating, and threats and violence against labor activists continue unabated, this premature decision sends the wrong signal at the wrong time. Colombia's new ministries and enforcement mechanisms, while welcome, have yet to make a difference in the workplace, and threats against unionists and workers attempting to organize continue unabated. As a member of the Congressional Monitoring Group, I will continue to keep the Administration's and the Colombian government's feet to the fire until impunity comes to an end and Colombia's workers can safely and freely exercise their rights.”