June 26,2010

Baucus Comment on New Presidential Initiative on the Korea Trade Agreement

MEMORANDUM

To: Reporters and Editors
From: Scott Mulhauser and Erin Shields for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Re: Baucus Comment on New Presidential Initiative on the Korea Trade Agreement 

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) commented today following the President's announcement at the G-20 to launch a new initiative to resolve outstanding aspects of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement before the G-20's next meeting in November.  The Senate Finance Committee has jurisdiction over international trade, including Free Trade Agreements.  From Chairman Baucus:

"America needs a trade agenda that will boost economic growth and create jobs in my home state of Montana and across the country.  The President's announcement of a concrete plan to move the Korea agreement forward is great news for America's economy," Baucus said.  "I commend the President for his announcement.  This is the most commercially-significant trade agreement in more than a decade and one I have pushed hard to bring to fruition.  But I've long held serious concerns about the unscientific barriers Korea has erected against American beef -- barriers that must be removed.  I intend to work with both the Administration and Korea to craft a plan to fully open Korea’s market to safe and delicious American beef."

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