Immediately after resolving a federal debt crisis, U.S. President Barack Obama called Tuesday for lawmakers to work on free trade deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.

"I want Congress to pass a set of trade deals -- deals we've already negotiated -- that would help displaced workers looking for new jobs and would allow our businesses to sell more products in countries in Asia and South America, products that are stamped with the words 'Made in America,'" Obama said in a press conference.

He was speaking shortly after the Senate passed a bill to raise the debt limit by at least US$2.1 trillion. The House of Representatives approved it a day earlier.

He said voters want politicians to solve problems even though Washington is sharply divided.

"And that's why, when Congress gets back from recess, I will urge them to immediately take some steps -- bipartisan, common-sense steps -- that will make a difference; that will create a climate where businesses can hire, where folks have more money in their pockets to spend, where people who are out of work can find good jobs," he said.

Government officials have strongly indicated that they will push for the ratification of the three trade pacts as soon as Congress reconvenes after a month-long break beginning Aug. 6.

Rival parties are at loggerheads over whether to couple the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program with the implementing bill on a free trade agreement with South Korea. The program is unpopular among Republicans. (Yonhap News)