Congressman Jim Kolbe’s legacy to southern Arizona will prominently feature his expertise and national leadership with respect to Free Trade. Throughout Congressman Kolbe’s two decades of service to the district, he championed its importance; understanding it crucial not only for economic reasons, but for advances in diplomacy. Jim Kolbe and I agree on this crucial issue. We have significant disagreement with Congresswoman Giffords.

Congresswoman Giffords has again chosen politics over an issue that is critical to not only her constituents in the district, but crucial to international relationships throughout the Western Hemisphere. Make no mistake about it; by Giffords’ support of the resolution (H RES 1092), she has effectively joined with the Pelosi led liberal House leadership in voting to stop the U.S. - Columbia Free Trade Agreement (FTA); an agreement that the U.S. and Columbia completed in 2006, only to renegotiate terms under demands from Democrats toughening labor and environmental standards. House Leader Pelosi was involved in the 2007 discussions.

The standard practice for American trade talks is that the administration negotiates with bi-partisan assistance from the Congress opening up markets throughout the world that benefit American manufacturers and service providers. The Columbia FTA is good for the sluggish American economy and for American workers.

“U.S. trade with Colombia has nearly doubled over the past five years, approaching $18 billion in 2007. Nearly 8,000 U.S. companies export their products to Colombia, and over 80% of these are small and medium-sized companies that stand to benefit significantly from the agreement…Best of all, this agreement will provide a level playing field for American workers and farmers, ensuring that the United States get the full benefit of trade with this dynamic market.” US Chamber of Commerce:

Not only is Columbia crucial economically; it is a key ally in the wars on terrorism and the region’s drug cartels. This agreement affirms American commitment to the growing democracies in Latin America. By voting to reject this agreement, Giffords is voting to penalize a nation that has been a strong friend. In essence, her vote rewards the authoritarian countries like Venezuela and Ecuador that continuously rail against America and her interests abroad.

The move by the liberal Democrats in the House destabilizes an already perilous region. Recently, the border crisis between Columbia and Venezuela nearly erupted into military conflict.

The Columbian government hasn’t requested tanks or guns, not even butter. Just free trade.

This political move by Pelosi and Giffords may cause the Columbian’s next request from us to be military aid.

Free Trade promotes strong relationships among nations and ultimately peace.

Giffords actions on this issue are more evidence that Washington is badly broken and needs fixing.

Supporting the Columbia FTA would demonstrate that America will support those that stand with us. Columbia deserves reward, not punishment, for its efforts.