Washington, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement regarding President Bush’s decision to have the Colombia Free Trade Agreement sent to Congress for a vote.

“President Bush’s insistent on sending the Colombian Free Trade Agreement to Congress for a vote at a time of such economic uncertainty is irresponsible and counter-productive. With unemployment claims rising to their highest levels in three years, it is incumbent that the President work with the Congress in supporting policies that create jobs instead of sending them abroad.

“People in Indiana and all across the country are in dire need of assistance as it pertains to finding suitable, long-term employment. Just a few months ago Indiana lost 9,600 jobs while applications for unemployment insurance increased by 38,000 across the country.

“I call on President Bush to work with the Congress in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion on legislative proposals that will umpstart our economy, create jobs, and stabilize our turbulent housing markets.”

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