Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement after the Administration submitted three pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – with Colombia, Panama and South Korea – to Congress today:

“As we move forward in our effort to spur economic growth and strengthen American competitiveness, I am pleased that the Administration has finally decided to proceed with these long-delayed Free Trade Agreements.  The pending FTAs with Colombia, Panama and South Korea will boost U.S. exports by nearly $13 billion annually, open new markets to American products, create jobs, and solidify strategic alliances.  

“In Washington state, one out of every three jobs is tied to international trade.  Free trade is a fundamental component of the House Republicans’ Plan for America’s Job Creators, which, if enacted, will create nearly 250,000 new jobs at a time when our country needs it most.”