AS/COA takes a look at the 112th Congress' activity related to pending free-trade agreements with Colombia and Panama, as well as extension of the Andean Trade Preference and Drug Eradication Act.

With the U.S. Congress soon set to adjourn for the year, it leaves behind much unfinished business when it come to Western Hemisphere affairs.

With a new Congress sworn in, legislative leaders now have an opportunity to respond to the hemisphere’s most pressing socioeconomic, security, and development priorities. This would be a win for the United States and for the Americas.

Over the past year, Congress made headway in working with Latin America on trade, security, and energy. Looking ahead, 2009 holds great potential for advancing key hemispheric issues.

The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) is a critical component in further establishing a secure and prosperous economic climate in Colombia. The Council of the Americas resource guide outlines COA activities as well as official remarks and links related to the trade pact.

More than sixteen months after its signing, the U.S.–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement is now in the hands of the U.S. Congress.

Signed into law at the end of February, the Andean Trade Preferences Agreement will be extended for 10 months. The real goal, however, is permanent and reciprocal trade agreements.