Portman Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Export Agreements

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a former U.S. Trade Representative, today issued the following statement after the Senate’s approval of the pending export opening agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama, agreements Portman helped negotiate while serving as U.S. Trade Representative:

“I welcome the long awaited passage of the pending export agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama, which will create much needed opportunity and job creation at a time when American families are falling behind in a stagnant economy.

“After years of unnecessary delay, American manufacturers, farmers and service providers will gain greater access to nearly 100 million consumers through lower tariffs on our exports to Korea, Colombia and Panama. According to the President’s own metrics, these agreements, which passed with strong bipartisan support, will create up to 250,000 American jobs.

“The Korea agreement is supported by the United Auto Workers (UAW), and is a welcome example of American businesses, labor groups, a Democratic President and a bipartisan majority in Congress working together to pass an important job-creating bill.

“I applaud the good work by Congressional leaders to move swiftly to bring these agreements up for a vote, shortly after the President finally submitted them to the Congress. The Senate’s vote of approval today of the Korea, Colombia and Panama agreements is a significant step in the right direction for American workers and businesses. They are also proof that Republicans stand willing to work with the Administration to help them re-engage in the global market place to opening new opportunities for U.S. goods and services.”