Long-delayed free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea that the Obama administration says are needed to create jobs for thousands of Americans sailed through Congress Wednesday, passing with votes to spare.
Both chambers spent the day debating the agreements, which will eliminate tariffs on trade between the United States and the three countries. The House passed the agreements in quick succession before sending them to the Senate where they were approved Wednesday night. They now await President Barack Obama’s signature.
The president said he looked forward to signing the agreements.
“Tonight’s vote, with bipartisan support, will significantly boost exports that bear the proud label `Made in America,’ support tens of thousands of good-paying American jobs and protect labor rights, the environment and intellectual property,’’ he said.
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