A bipartisan group of congressional leaders on Tuesday urged the Trump administration not to withdraw from a U.S.-South Korea trade agreement, emphasizing the importance of the alliance amid escalating tensions with North Korea.

“North Korea's latest nuclear test underscores yet again the vital importance of the strong alliance between the United States and South Korea. The U.S.-South Korea agreement (KORUS), negotiated under two presidents and approved by Congress, is a central element of that alliance," the lawmakers wrote in a statement.

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House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady Kevin Patrick BradyBusinesses, states pass on Trump payroll tax deferral Trump order on drug prices faces long road to finish line On The Money: US deficit hits trillion amid pandemic | McConnell: Chance for relief deal 'doesn't look that good' | House employees won't have payroll taxes deferred MORE (R-Texas) and ranking member Richard Neal (D-Mass.), as well as Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch Orrin Grant HatchBottom line Bottom line Senate GOP divided over whether they'd fill Supreme Court vacancy MORE (R-Utah) and ranking member Ron Wyden Ronald (Ron) Lee WydenGOP senator blocks Schumer resolution aimed at Biden probe as tensions run high Republican Senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal Hillicon Valley: TikTok, Oracle seek Trump's approval as clock winds down | Hackers arrested for allegedly defacing U.S. websites after death of Iranian general | 400K people register to vote on Snapchat MORE (D-Ore.) — all top members of committees that oversee reciprocal trade agreements — signed the statement.

The lawmakers underscored that South Korea is a "vital" U.S. trading partner, urging for amendments to be made to the current KORUS trade agreement rather than taking a more drastic approach by pulling out entirely.



“Our trade relationship can be enhanced and, because KORUS’s operation has presented frustrations for some important U.S. industries and stakeholders, we must press South Korea to improve its implementation and compliance. To be effective and constructive, however, we must not withdraw from the agreement while we do so,” they continued, adding that they welcome the start of bipartisan discussions.

President Trump told reporters on Saturday that he would discuss the fate of KORUS with his advisers this week, according to reports.

"It's very much on my mind," Trump said about the trade deal.

His remarks came a day after speaking with South Korean President Moon Jae-in about a potential arms sale.

Congress ratified the KORUS trade deal in 2011, after renegotiating the initial agreement made in 2006.

During the presidential campaign, Trump reportedly slammed the deal, saying it "doubled our trade deficit with South Korea and destroyed nearly 100,000 American jobs."