He supports agreements with Panama and South Korea
Free-trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea were ratified last week by the House and Senate with strong support from the Louisiana delegation. Only Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, cast a no vote, joining most Democrats in opposing the trade deal with Colombia.
View full sizeRep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., speaks in support of President Obama's jobs plan at the Capitol on Sept. 14. He voted for two other trade agreements.
Richmond cited violence against Colombian labor leaders for his opposition. The other eight Louisiana members of Congress supported all three trade deals.
"Passing these free-trade agreements will be a significant boost to our slumping economy," Sen. David Vitter, R-La., said. Proponents said the agreement should increase Louisiana exports of corn, rice, soybeans and petrochemicals. Opponents said that the bill will bring more foreign products into the United States, causing a loss of American jobs.
Bruce Alpert can be reached at balpert@timespicayune.com or 202.450.1406. Jonathan Tilove can be reached at jtilove@timespicayune.com or 202.450.1404.