Congressman Diane E. Watson - Representing California's 33rd Congressional District
For Immediate Release
November 9, 2007		 Contact: Dorinda White
(202) 225-7084

Lois Hill Hale
(323) 965-1422		  
 
 

Rep. Watson Urges House Leadership to Consider Geopolitical Context of U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

  
 
Washington, DC— Representative Diane Watson of California (33rd), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea and a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, sent a letter to the House leadership noting that the “geopolitical context” of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) deserves consideration as Congress deliberates the agreement.  Nine of Watson’s congressional colleagues also signed the letter.
 
Addressing the letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Ways & Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, and Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin, the ten Members of Congress wrote:
 
“The Republic of Korea is a vital ally in Northeast Asia.  Its key participation in the Six-Party Talks regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions is central to the success of stemming the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, not only in that region but throughout the world.
 
“South Korea also acts as a balance to the emerging economic and political dominance of China in East Asia and the Pacific.
 
“These political and diplomatic matters do not exist in a vacuum. They are tied integrally to continuing economic growth and strong trade relationships across national boundaries. As Congress embarks on its debate about the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, we remain mindful of the very real domestic concerns surrounding the FTA, but also wish to have the important geopolitical aspects of the situation be given full consideration alongside the fundamental economic issues.”
 
In addition to Congresswoman Watson, the letter was signed by Rep. Ed Towns (NY), Rep. Albio Sires (NJ), Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa/Asia Subcommittee Chairman), Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (GU), Rep. Adam Smith (WA), Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY), Rep. David Wu (OR), Rep. James Moran (VA), and Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC).
 
The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement was signed by both countries on June 30, 2007.  It now awaits congressional approval.
 

 
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