House Speaker Paul Ryan called for the United States to negotiate a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom once the nation completes its separation from the European Union.
Ryan (R., Wis.) said the United States should begin trade discussions now to ensure a "smooth trade relationship" while easing economic concerns.
Speaking with Wisconsin media in the wake of the UK’s Brexit vote Friday, Ryan said the pact should be negotiated in parallel to U.S. negotiations with the EU on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
He predicted a deal with Britain would be easier to pursue than a pact with the EU.
"We need to emphasize that they are our indispensable ally, we have a special relationship, and I think that does mean we should have a trade agreement with England–with Great Britain," he said on local radio station WISN.
The UK voted in a historic referendum last week to sever its membership with the EU. The nation has two years to renegotiate trade with the bloc’s remaining 27 members.
Ryan said a secure trade relationship between Britain and the United States would improve the economies in both nations.
Both houses of Congress must approve free trade agreements.
"We need to show our solidarity," Ryan said. "Obviously it takes time to do something like this, but I think it is something we should be working on."