The Korean Free Trade Agreement

In 2007, the USA and the Republic of Korea signed a free trade agreement. Since then, the agreement has not been ratified by either side, so it has not gone into effect. Democrats blocked ratification during the Bush years. After Obama took over, he had the treaty modified through renegotiations with the South Koreans. Eight months ago, those negotiations concluded and Obama pronounced himself satisfied with the new version of the treaty. Parties normally on opposite sides of trade issues also supported the treaty; for example, both the United Auto Workers and Ford Motor Company have endorsed ratification. Many other groups have come out in support. Despite this, the treaty has still not been voted on by the Senate. Harry Reid and the Democrats have held it from moving forward, and president Obama has remained silent about the hold.

Right now, economic issues are at a critical point in the USA. Efforts to increase growth are essential. Nevertheless, the Korean free trade agreement (like two others) is just stuck there without action.

It is not that the Democrat leadership is telling the country that it opposes the treaty. If there were a reasoned opposition to provisions of the treaty, that might make sense. No, the treaty is just being held since there are a few Democrat constituent groups (certain unions) the reflexively oppose all free trade agreements.

It is a disgrace that president Obama continues to remain silent on this issue. If the treaty is not a good one, then Obama should just say he made a mistake in renegotiating it and withdraw it from Congress. However, if Obama believes that the treat would help the economy, he ought to push for it. And that means really push for it. It will not be enough to mention it in a speech and then walk away (although Obama has not even bothered to do that much.) The president could easily force the Senate leadership to bring the treaty forward for a vote. If there is a group of senators who want to vote against the treaty or even to fillibuster it, that is their right. There has to be action now, however, if it is ever to help the economy. Waiting further is not an option.