A lot of us express our frustration at the state of Washington, D.C., politics: the partisanship, the gridlock and the lack of action to help our economy grow. So when our elected officials take a bold, brave vote on behalf of our state, it’s just as important to make sure they see our appreciation.

Recently, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Rep. Dave Reichert all voted in favor of the free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. These free trade agreements represent the most significant progress on trade in the last 15 years, and have the potential to significantly increase jobs and economic opportunity for our state.

These agreements lower or eliminate tariffs on everything from industrial products to consumer goods in some of the most important markets for our state; South Korea, for example, is our state’s 4th largest trading partner.

The three faced great pressure to oppose these measures, and we should be grateful for their willingness to take tough votes on that will benefit our state’s economy.

So, on behalf of businesses and citizens in the 8th Congressional District, I wanted to take a moment to thank them publicly and I invite others to join me.

Eric Schinfeld, Seattle