ALJAZEERA: Top congressional Republicans and Democrats on Thursday said they’ve reached a deal to allow President Barack Obama to negotiate trade agreements subject to an up-or-down vote from Congress.
The “fast-track” legislation comes as Obama seeks a sweeping trade agreement with 11 Pacific nations. It would renew presidential authority to present trade agreements that Congress can endorse or reject, but not amend.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) proposes a trade agreement involving the United States, Japan, Vietnam, Canada, Mexico and seven other Pacific-rim nations.
“It’s important for America, it’s important for the world that we get this done,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.… (more)
