TPP: Bill key to Obama trade push faces Dem opposition

[unhappycamper]

http://gazette.com/bill-key-to-obama-trade-push-faces-dem-opposition/article/feed/77321

Bill key to Obama trade push faces Dem opposition
Updated: January 9, 2014 at 8:30 pm • Published: January 9, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) — Legislation key to President Barack Obama's agenda to boost exports to the fast-growing economies of the Asia-Pacific is being welcomed by business but faces stiff opposition from Obama's fellow Democrats.

A bill to grant the president "fast track" authority for negotiating trade deals was introduced Thursday, co-sponsored by a senior Democrat and two leading Republicans.

Fast track, which was last approved in 2002 and expired in 2007, assures that the administration can negotiate trade deals that Congress can accept or reject but cannot change.

The administration will be counting on strong support from Republicans, who traditionally are more supportive of free trade pacts than Democrats. Such bipartisanship, however, is a rarity in the divisive political atmosphere that has severely hampered Obama and last fall culminated in a partial government shutdown.



unhappycamper comment: I am not a fan of secret trade negotiations.

[daleanime]

1. K&R....