DJOU CONTINUES TO PUSH FOR FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTH KOREA

“The time has come for this Congress to move to enact job-creating free trade agreements that will help stem the tide of this recession and bring more jobs to our communities.”

Washington, DC — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) has continued to lead a push in Congress to enact a languishing free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea. A week ago, Congressman Djou signed onto a bipartisan letter that was sent to the President, which affirms President Obama’s goal to double U.S. exports over the next five years and to promote U.S. trade with key allies.

“In Hawaii, we understand the value of strong international economic partnerships,” Djou said. “Trade agreements increase U.S. exports, create domestic jobs and ensure that America will continue to be a dynamic and competitive player in the global economy. For far too long, trade agreements that would spur the kind of economic growth this nation so desperately needs have languished in Congress. 

“This bipartisan letter simply affirms what the President has publicly stated: that the time has come for this Congress to move to enact job-creating free trade agreements that will help stem the tide of this recession and bring more jobs to our communities.”

Congressman Djou also joined the bipartisan Congressional U.S.—Korea  FTA Working Group, which will continue to build support and resolve outstanding issues in order to clear the way for the timely consideration and passage of the free trade agreement with South Korea.

After President Obama’s announcement over the weekend at the G20 Summit that he would push Congress to enact the FTA, Congressman Djou gave a speech on the House floor on Monday commending him:

“I represent a Congressional district that lies within the flight arc of North Korea’s ballistic missiles. I am troubled by the report this morning in the Washington Post that the Korean Workers Party of North Korea is trying to manage a dynastic transfer of its dictatorship from Kim Jong Il to his son. 

“I believe the United States must redouble its efforts to change this regime and establish a democratic and united Korea.  

“But I am also encouraged by the opportunity which has happened this past weekend and compliment President Obama for committing to a free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea. Now is the time for us to further cement our bond and our relationship with South Korea and make sure that we change the dictatorship in North Korea for the benefit of our nation and the world as a whole.”

Congressman Djou, a Member of the House Budget and Armed Services Committee, has made it one of his highest priorities to push for a free trade agreement with South Korea, not just for the economic benefits, but, more importantly, because of the strategic interest the United States has in strengthening its alliance with South Korea. The letter to President Obama, signed by 50 members of both parties, is attached.

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