Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Jim Renacci (OH-16) joined with 66 other Freshman House members in sending a letter to the White House, urging President Obama to support quick passage of pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

With other countries aggressively seeking new trade agreements and opening up new markets, this letter reiterates the need for a comprehensive trade agenda that begins with moving forward on our agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea within the next six months.

“We stand ready to work with you to ensure that new opportunities are created for our farmers, manufacturers, service providers and workers by passing the three pending free trade agreements,” the letter states, adding that expanding trade will increase economic growth and create jobs in the United States.

“Continued delay in these pending trade agreements leaves the United States and American workers at a competitive disadvantage,” Renacci said. “With more than 21 consecutive months of unemployment at or above 9 percent, we need to open all possible avenues to job creation. Addressing these outstanding trade agreements is an important start.”

The letter, led by Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY), was sent to the White House on March 1.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:The final version of the letter is attached.