House Republicans urge trade pact support

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Republican officials in the U.S. House of Representatives said Friday that U.S. President Barack Obama should support three struggling trade pacts.

In a letter to the president, top House Republicans urged Obama to more forward with the pacts negotiated by the administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush, The Hill reported.

"We agree with you that these trade agreements provide important new commercial opportunities that will benefit our economy and create jobs without adding to our nation's staggering budget deficit, and we stand ready to work with you to implement each agreement on a bipartisan basis right now," the Republican officials said.

House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia signed the letter, along with U.S. Reps. Dave Camp, R-Mich., and Mike Pence, R-Ind.

Labor unions have strongly opposed the proposed trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, The Hill said.

The pacts have limited support from House Democrats as several Democrats instead support renegotiating current trade agreements.