Webb, Lieberman Urge Completion of Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement

Senators Jim Webb and Joe Lieberman issued the following statement today about the latest developments regarding the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA):

“As strong supporters of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, we urge the Obama Administration to redouble its efforts toward reaching a final agreement by the end of the year, so that it can be submitted to the new Congress for approval in early 2011. This is an agreement whose time has come.

“Completing the KORUS FTA is of vital importance both for America's economic recovery and our national security. This agreement will create new, well-paying jobs in the U.S. by increasing export opportunities for American companies in one of the world's most dynamic markets. It is also essential for American leadership in the Asia-Pacific region at a time when both old allies and new friends want to know if they can count on Washington. Continued stalemate on this agreement, by contrast, will ultimately cost American jobs at home and send a dangerous message of weakness throughout Asia.”