U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk says he is optimistic Congress will approve pending free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia in September.

Kirk made the projection during a speech at a Bretton Woods Committee meeting in Washington.

He said the administration believes it has a framework for an agreement that will lead to the approval of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program and the pending three trade deals when Congress convenes in September after its summer recess.

Kirk added the Obama administration has been working with congressional leaders in both parties to move forward on the FTAs and the TAA, which helps workers displaced by trade get back to work.

The trade official's comments marked the first time for a top government official to issue a clear date for the ratification of the trade pacts.