WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) issued the following statement upon news that the U.S. and South Korean negotiators have reached an agreement on a bilateral free trade agreement:
“I continue to believe it is a dangerous mistake to pursue the same kind of trade deals that ballooned our deficit and led to massive job loss. We simply cannot keep barking up this tree as American companies fold and American workers face prolonged unemployment. Until we address China’s currency manipulation and make decisions to reduce our trade deficit, I see no reason to pursue more NAFTA-style free trade agreements.
“I appreciate the work Ambassador Kirk and his negotiators have put into achieving a more level playing field for American autoworkers and manufacturers in the U.S. – Korea agreement. I’m encouraged that the Administration insisted on meaningful changes for automakers. When this deal is final, it will also need to be examined alongside the European Union-Korea trade agreement which achieved limitations on duty drawback provisions, allowing the Korean government to refund the tariffs its automakers pay on imported parts, including those from China. The EU-Korea deal also does not include the harmful investor-state provisions which I have worked for years to reform in our trade agreements.
“President Obama is trying to modernize U.S. trade policy and make the process more transparent and inclusive. Looking ahead, I will continue to work with the Administration on new agreements, especially the Trans-Pacific Partnership, as we try to rebuild a consensus on trade policy.”Brown is considered one of Congress’ leading voices on trade issues. He is the author of the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment (TRADE) Act, legislation that would require a review of existing trade agreements, provide an opportunity to renegotiate existing trade agreements, and outline principles of what should be included in future trade agreements. The legislation also strengthens the role of Congress in trade policymaking. He also introduced the Trade Enforcement Priorities Act, legislation that would give the federal government more authority to address trade barriers that undermine American workers and domestic manufacturing. This includes the reinstatement of “Super 301" authority, which allows the U.S. Trade Representative to enforce trade laws that promote domestic manufacturing and job creation.
Senator John Kerry (via the
WH)
“I am happy to hear that the United States and South Korea have reached a deal on the Korea-U.S. Trade Agreement, and look forward to reviewing the pact and working hard to secure its early ratification.
The Obama administration is sparing no effort to send Congress an agreement that can help create jobs and revitalize our economy, and I am pleased the President made the politically difficult decision to take the time to get this deal done right for America. I understand that there are beef export issues that have not been resolved and urge the administration to continue pushing for better access to the Korean market for American beef as we move forward.
“KORUS represents an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fair and open markets, and for the new Congress to demonstrate that in spite of today’s highly polarized political environment, bipartisan cooperation in the national interest remains attainable. New export opportunities in South Korea for U.S. companies will generate good paying American jobs and contribute to our economic recovery. Moreover, this agreement delivers an important message to an ever closer ally and the region at a time of uncertainty on the Korean Peninsula.
“For many, KORUS has become a symbol of the United States’ commitment to the region and our appreciation of its increasingly important role in international commerce. It is essential that the United States enhance its economic presence in Asia and compete on a level playing field with other exporters in the region. Ratification of KORUS is an important step forward that will have enormously positive economic and political implications for our country in the years ahead.”
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