US House of Representatives rejects trade bill
In a major blow to the Obama administration, the US House of Representatives has blocked a trade bill that would have authorized the US president to fast-track a trade deal with Pacific-Rim nations.
The bill failed to attract enough Democratic votes on Friday despite Obama’s personal visit to Capitol Hill to seek support for it.
Only 40 House Democrats voted for the bill and finally the Trade Adjustment Assistance was not approved, marking a major blow to the Democratic president.
The House, however, passed the second part of the package, giving Obama fast-track approval authority over the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.
The White House called the setback a "procedural SNAFU.
TAA is a program designed to help workers displaced by the trade bill.
Both bills have to be approved in order for the package to be sent to Obama for his signature.
"I thank the bipartisan group of Representatives who came together on behalf of America's workers, our businesses, and our economy," the US president said in a statement. "And I urge the House of Representatives to pass TAA as soon as possible, so I can sign them both, and give our workers and businesses even more wind at their backs to do what they do best: imagine, invent, build, and sell goods Made in America to the rest of the world."
The major blow came despite a rare visit by the president to lobby for the bill.
Some analysts believe the TTP would be the most important international trade deal in decades.
NT/NT
US economy flashes recession warnings
Protests across US over pointless 43-day shutdown
US shutdown ends after 43 days
Assange files criminal complaint against Nobel Foundation over Machado’s prize
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | Indian Prime Minister Modi addresses Ethiopia's parliament
VIDEO | Nur Shams: “How do you carry a lifetime in a bag?”
VIDEO | Iran-Russia united
VIDEO | Doctors in England begin five-day walkout over pay, working conditions
VIDEO | Tunisia marks Revolution Day
Maduro says US plan to turn Venezuela into its colony ‘will simply never happen’
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
