All Three FTAs Progress

This afternoon, the House Committee on Ways and Means favorably reported out the three FTA implementing bills. The U.S.-South Korea implementing bill was favorably reported 31-5 with all but five D's voting aye: Stark, Lewis, Doggett, Pascrell and Berkley.

Also, for those following the Latin FTAs, the U.S.-Colombia implementing bill was reported 24-12 with two Democrats voting aye: Kind and Crowley. The U.S.-Panama implementing bill was reported 32-3 with all but three Democrats voting aye: Stark, Lewis and Berkley.

The Administration and Congressional leadership have reached an initial agreement where both the Senate and House will take up the free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea next Wednesday, October 12, 2011 for consideration.

The Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber is a member of the U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition.