United States and Panama Free Trade Still Pending

According to United States House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, it does not look as if the United States will be considering the free trade agreement with Panama this year.

Of concern are the lack of safeguards to keep American taxpayers from hiding assets in Panamanian banks .

The George W. Bush administration signed the agreement with Panama in 2007, but it must be ratified by the Democrat-dominated House and Senate.  Also on hold are trade agreements with Colombia and South Korea.

Associated Press reports.