(From Reuters)
WASHINGTON |
A raging battle over President Barack Obama’s request for “fast-track” authority central to improving U.S. ties with Asia resumes in the House of Representatives next week when lawmakers are expected to try to reverse Friday’s defeat of linchpin trade legislation.
House Democrats disregarded Obama’s personal pleas and teamed up with Republicans, for different reasons, to overwhelmingly defeat a program that helps American workers who lose their jobs as a result of trade deals.
Supporters were heartened, however, when the House narrowly approved a separate measure to give Obama “fast-track” authority to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. But the legislation is stuck in the House because of the defeat Obama and House Speaker John Boehner suffered on the first vote. Read more