U.S. National Public Radio says the Republican Party has clarified its opposition to the White House’s plan to have the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) ratified before those with Panama and Colombia.

The U.S. administration, led by President Barack Obama, is hoping to win prompt parliamentary approval of the trade deal with South Korea.

The broadcaster quoted Republican Congressman Kevin Brady as saying that the Republican Party has been clear that it would be a mistake to send through the agreement with South Korea on its own.

He said that it would be ideal to reach an agreement that facilitates the ratification of the trade treaties with Korea, Panama and Colombia as a package deal.

Brady is the chairman for a key subcommittee on trade and is also a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee.