The controversial bill, also known as “fast-track” trade legislation, would allow President George W. Bush to negotiate trade deals Congress could approve or reject, but not amend.
Supporters say without the legislation other countries would refuse to negotiate seriously with the United States because Congress could change any trade pact.
US business groups have called for a House vote on the bill before the Nov. 9-13 World Trade Organization meeting in Doha in order to send a signal to the rest of the world that the United States remains committed to trade liberalization.
But the legislation remains unpopular with many Democrats in the closely divided House. They say the bill crafted by House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, a California Republican, and three pro-trade Democrats does not go far enough to address labor and environmental concerns.
Business and farm groups say the Thomas bill presents a workable compromise on labor and environmental issues that have blocked renewal of fast track negotiating authority since 1994. Each of Bush’s five predecessors had the authority for at least a portion of their term.
Greg Crist, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Dick Armey, a Texas Republican, said it was unlikely, but not impossible the House would vote on the bill next week.
Our goal is this year. It’s not going to get any easier next year. And there’s a more compelling reason now than ever to do it, Crist said, referring to new government data showing the US economy is struggling.
Meanwhile, US trade officials say they are optimistic WTO members will agree in Doha on terms for launching new trade talks, even if the House does not vote before the meeting.
WTO Director General Mike Moore, speaking with reporters in Geneva, was also upbeat about reaching agreement.
I think there is a very good chance, the former New Zealand Prime Minister said.
Because of security concerns following the Sept. 11, attacks on the United States and the US bombing campaign in Afghanistan, the United States has scaled back its delegation for the Doha meeting to the bare minimum.
US Commerce Secretary Don Evans will be among those staying behind, although a Commerce Department spokesman said that decision was not made for security reasons.
Instead, Evans will focus on getting the president’s priorities through Congress, the aide said. Those include not only trade promotion authority, but also the economic stimulus package and the energy bill.
One of the most difficult issues to be resolved in Doha concerns a declaration specifying what steps countries can take to override drug patents to respond to national health crises, like malaria and tuberculosis.
The United States says language pushed by Brazil would create a huge loophole in
WTO intellectual property right rules and reduce incentives for drug manufacturers to invest the money to develop new drugs.
But in a conference call with reporters, a US trade official resisted calling the issue a potential deal breaker and expressed hope some resolution could be found.
We’re going to Doha to make deals, not break deals, the official said.—Reuters