The U.S. Congress looks set to begin a full scale review of bills later this week on major trade pacts with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, while a proposed renewal of a costly program to help American workers remains a potential deal breaker.
The Democrat-led Senate Finance Committee plans to open a "mock" markup of the draft implementing bills for the free trade agreements (FTAs) on Thursday, according to committee chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
The session, originally supposed to take place a week ago, was canceled due to a Republican boycott.
Baucus said in a press release that the new date was set "after consulting with members" of the committee and it would touch on a controversial extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program to minimize the negative impact of trade on U.S. workers.
President Barack Obama said he would not submit the bills on the FTAs unless Congress agrees to extend the US$1 billion a year TAA program, which expired in 2010.
Republican members oppose it amid a partisan budget war.
"It is past time to get this package moving.
Right now, our competitors are gaining ground in these vital markets, and jobless Americans in need of opportunities are left waiting while these trade agreements languish," Baucus said. South Korea's FTA with the European Union took effect last week.
He added, "We need to come together to move these three trade agreements and Trade Adjustment Assistance forward because American workers and small businesses simply cannot afford to wait any longer."
On Thursday, meanwhile, the House Ways and Means Committee, controlled by Republicans, is also scheduled to hold a separate discussion session on the draft FTA bills.
The TAA issue is not on the agenda, however.
Congress holds such a mock markup under the Trade Promotion Authority Act, also known as "fast track" procedures, so that related committees can recommend to the administration the provisions that should be included in the final version of bills.
Once the administration sends a final bill, Congress can put it up to only a "yes or no" vote.
The Democrat-led Senate Finance Committee plans to open a "mock" markup of the draft implementing bills for the free trade agreements (FTAs) on Thursday, according to committee chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
The session, originally supposed to take place a week ago, was canceled due to a Republican boycott.
Baucus said in a press release that the new date was set "after consulting with members" of the committee and it would touch on a controversial extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program to minimize the negative impact of trade on U.S. workers.
President Barack Obama said he would not submit the bills on the FTAs unless Congress agrees to extend the US$1 billion a year TAA program, which expired in 2010.
Republican members oppose it amid a partisan budget war.
"It is past time to get this package moving.
Right now, our competitors are gaining ground in these vital markets, and jobless Americans in need of opportunities are left waiting while these trade agreements languish," Baucus said. South Korea's FTA with the European Union took effect last week.
He added, "We need to come together to move these three trade agreements and Trade Adjustment Assistance forward because American workers and small businesses simply cannot afford to wait any longer."
On Thursday, meanwhile, the House Ways and Means Committee, controlled by Republicans, is also scheduled to hold a separate discussion session on the draft FTA bills.
The TAA issue is not on the agenda, however.
Congress holds such a mock markup under the Trade Promotion Authority Act, also known as "fast track" procedures, so that related committees can recommend to the administration the provisions that should be included in the final version of bills.
Once the administration sends a final bill, Congress can put it up to only a "yes or no" vote.
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