Trans-Pacific Partnership: bill on trade deals passes key Congress committee

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A companion “fast-track” bill cleared a Senate panel on Wednesday and both are now ready for action in their respective chambers.

Still, the way forward is likely to be treacherous with many of Obama’s fellow Democrats in opposition over worries that trade deals could harm jobs and the environment, leaving the White House to rely heavily on Republican support.

The House committee’s 25-13 vote in favour of the bill provided an exhibit of this unusual alliance, with only two of the panel’s 15 Democrats voting for the legislation – much less support than it received in the Senate panel.

Committee chairman Paul Ryan joked it was a “strange world” when he had to defend Obama against amendments moved by his own party.

The panel’s top Democrat, Sander Levin of Michigan, is one of the fiercest opponents. He put forward an alternative backed by unions and the House Democratic leadership, but Ryan did not allow a vote.

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http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/24/trans-pacific-partnership-bill-on-trade-deals-passes-key-congress-committee

Money and corruption make strange bedfellows, no?