Rep. Kim Won-i of the Democratic Party of Korea called for swift passage of the Special Act on U.S. Investment to resolve Korea-U.S. tariff uncertainties, suggesting the National Assembly speaker should consider using his authority to bring the bill directly to a floor vote.
"The strongest consensus was that the Special Act on U.S. Investment must be processed quickly," Kim told reporters on Monday after a policy coordination meeting between the party and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy at the National Assembly. "Passing the special act is the first step in eliminating uncertainties between Korea and the United States."
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan attended the meeting on behalf of the government.
Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's escalating tariff pressure even after the Supreme Court ruled reciprocal tariffs illegal, Kim said, "Korea must not become a target when the United States is looking for an example to make."
"We need to pass the special act quickly in the National Assembly to show that Korea is keeping its promises to the United States," he emphasized.
Kim expressed concern that the bill's floor vote could be delayed amid intensifying confrontation between ruling and opposition parties. He suggested the National Assembly speaker should use his authority to expedite the legislation.
"The bill should go through the Legislation and Judiciary Committee before reaching the plenary session, but the special committee itself cannot convene due to opposition from the People Power Party," Kim said. "Given this is an economic war and a national crisis, I personally believe this is a matter where the speaker should decide to bring it directly to the floor."
The Special Committee on U.S. Investment, established through bipartisan agreement, aims to complete legislation by its July 9 deadline and pass it in a plenary session on July 12. However, proceedings have repeatedly stalled. The committee held only a legislative hearing on June 24 before adjourning. All scheduled proceedings—including subcommittee formation originally planned for June 25, bill introduction, and general debate—were canceled.