In an op-ed to the Miami Herald, Senator Richard Lugar urges Congress to support Colombia's efforts to boost security by passing free-trade legislation.

Congress has begun consideration of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, and a decision on its approval is expected by the end of October. A new congressional update takes a look at action on the deal, possibilities for similar agreements with Panama and Colombia, and a U.S. proposal for a new hemispheric aid initiative.

The House Ways and Means Committee voted in support of the U.S.-Peru Trade Agreement this week. Congressional approval is expected in October with the deal viewed as a potential model for other bilateral pacts. COA testimony notes the agreement's passage provides an opportunity to advance strategic policy goals and promote U.S. economic, labor, and environmental interests.

In testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth notes that passage of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement is a rare opportunity to advance fundamental strategic policy interests while promoting U.S. economic, labor, and environmental interests.

An apparent reluctance to move pending hemispheric trade agreements forward, especially Colombia, is causing U.S. allies to evaluate whether the costs of friendship outweigh the benefits. Long- term U.S. interests are at stake.

This month, AS/COA provides an update on the status of trade legislation and the farm bill. With Congress on recess for the next month, forward movement will have to wait for September.