CanadaNews’ Reporter Notes

Yesterday, President George Bush spoke at the annual United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Conference.  This marks the President’s third time addressing the crowd.  It’s important to note that the organisation is the primary voice for the nation’s 2.5 million Hispanic businesses. 

The theme for the conference is “Hispanic Business: Shaping Tomorrow’s Policy.”

The President spoke during a special White House Briefing inside the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown DC.

Prior to the President’s remarks USHCC Board Chairman David C. Lizárraga said,  “As the leading advocate for our nation’s more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, we are greatly honored by President Bush’s decision to address the key leaders assembled from across the country for this important Conference. As in past years, we look forward to the President using this platform to deliver a major policy address dealing with issues of utmost importance to small- and medium-sized businesses that are vital contributors to our nation’s economy.”

Along with the American president were Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, United States Treasurer Anna Cabral, Secretary of Labour Elaine Chao, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and numerous other distinguished Members of Congress. I think it shows the impact that Hispanics have on the U.S. political landscape.  When you have the President of the United States, at least half is Cabinet, and key members of United States Congress in attendance; that means something.  Something big!

President Bush gave a good speech.  He entertained the crowd and presented information to show his support on many of the USHCC’s core issues.

One main thing Bush pushed is the situation in South America.  Primarily the pact with Columbia. 

He said that he intended to send a controversial free trade pact with Colombia to Congress soon for a vote and warned rejecting the pact would harm U.S. national security.

That triggered a warning from congressional leaders that the agreement could be rejected if the White House tries to “bully” Congress into voting on the pact.

“As we speak, Colombia is under assault from a terrorist network known as the FARC, which aims to overthrow Colombia’s democracy and aims to impose a Marxist vision on the country,” he told the intense crowd. 

President Bush believes that the approval of the pact is essential in supporting a key ally in Latin America.  He also believes because the Columbian government has to face threats from the FARC guerrilla group and President Hugo Chavez’s Venezuelan National Army just for supporting the U.S. agenda. 

Bush wants members of the Congress to be ready to move forward with the agreement after the Easter recess.  He warned them, “…And they need to get the job done and get a bill to my desk.”

The Bush administration strongly believes they have worked hard for over a year in relaxing Democrat concern.  Bush believes the present pact is set for bipartisan agreement.

Basically, the Colombia agreement is covered by trade promotion authority.  This requires Congress to approve or reject trade deals within 90 legislative days. Congress’ current target adjournment date is September 22 and lawmakers will be gone for most of August on an annual break.

Colombia triggered a regional crisis this month by sending troops into neighboring Ecuador on a raid that killed a senior FARC commander.

Chavez, who leads a growing anti-U.S. bloc in Latin America and accuses Colombian President Alvaro Uribe of being a pawn of Washington, responded by ordering his troops to the Colombian border.

Democrats and the AFL-CIO labor federation strongly oppose the pact with Colombia.  The AFL-CIO refers to Columbia as the most dangerous country in the world for trade unionists.  Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and key senior Democrats demand Columbia make more progress on reducing violence against trade unionists.  They also want murderers brought to justice before the Congress votes on the trade pact.

In getting a democratic response, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said, “Any deviation from this normal procedure for the Colombia FTA could prove to be counterproductive and would work against both countries’ long-term interests.” 

The Legislative Conference brings together the nation’s top business owners, opinion leaders and key governmental and administration officials for a three-day gathering to address the most pressing legislative concerns of the nation’s largest and fastest growing business segment—Hispanic entrepreneurs. Expansion of hemispheric relations and trade, health care, energy efficiency, and small business programs are among the many issues receiving top billing at this year’s Legislative Conference.

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been in business since 1979.  Their purpose is to actively promote economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs.  They also represent the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate more than $388 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.

For more information about the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, you can check out their website:  www.ushcc.com