Fla. Sen. Rubio Welcomes Free-Trade Pact

Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio Wednesday welcomed the free-trade pact the Obama administration announced with Colombia, calling it “long overdue.”

“Approving free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea has been delayed long enough, and I hope [Wednesday’s] announcement on Colombia will finally clear the way for an immediate up-or-down vote in Congress on all three deals,” Rubio said. “I urge the President to send these agreements to Congress right away.”

Rubio said the trade pact will benefit Florida.

“These agreements will be a boon to our economy, create jobs for Floridians, and help solidify our alliances with these steadfast partners,” he said. “The agreements with Colombia and Panama in particular will boost Florida businesses, workers and farmers whose livelihoods rely on exports to these countries.

“While today’s news is welcome, it is long overdue. In fact, it is several years overdue, and our competitors in China and elsewhere have seized on our missed trade opportunities.”