LIEBERMAN APPLAUDS BREAKTHROUGH ON KOREA TRADE DEAL

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued the following statement today, following the announcement that negotiations have been successfully concluded on the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).

“Today's breakthrough on KORUS is a big step forward both for America's economic recovery and for America's global leadership. This deal will create new, well-paying jobs for Americans here at home by opening export opportunities for American companies in one of the world's most dynamic markets. It is also a tangible proof of America's deepening alliance with our South Korean allies and our enduring commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

“Reaching consensus on complex agreements like this can be extremely difficult. I commend the leadership and vision of President Obama and President Lee in overcoming the remaining obstacles to secure this agreement that is so much in our shared interest. I hope that President Obama will now work with congressional leaders of both parties to make the passage of KORUS one of the top priorities of the 112th Congress. I am convinced that KORUS is one of the best opportunities we have for bipartisan cooperation between Democrats and Republicans to advance our country's economic interests. We must seize it.”

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