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Stabenow: South Korea free trade agreement includes auto industry provisions

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) speaks at a recent news conference at Capital Region International Airport
(photo by Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio)
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) speaks at a recent news conference at Capital Region International Airport

 Congress is expected to vote on free trade agreements with South Korea, Columbia and Panama today.  The South Korean agreement is potentially one of the largest free trade deals in years.  

 Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow says she opposed the agreement initially reached by the Bush Administration, but she says the trade pact now has special protections for the U.S. auto industry.  

 “It took into account serious concerns that our auto industry and auto workers had about being able to have open access to the (South) Korean market," says Stabenow.   

The South Korean trade deal is expected to easily pass the Congress.    

President Obama and South Korea’s president will tour GM’s Lake Orion assembly plant Friday. 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.