Dem split stalls free trade pact

[NewJerseyDem]

http://www.thehill.com/news/030304/trade.aspx

Widening divisions among Democrats on trade issues have caused House Republican leaders to abandon efforts to enact a Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) this year.

Manufacturing-job losses and growing skepticism about the terms of trade deals in an election year have weakened the working coalition of Republicans and free-trade Democrats who joined to steer trade negotiating authority through the Congress and to normalize trade relations with China.

“If we’re only going to get 15 Democrats to vote for CAFTA, we can’t pass it,” said a House GOP leadership aide who supports the deal. The aide noted that the AFL-CIO was gearing up to oppose the deal, saying, “This is really going to tamp down the Democratic vote.” Another House GOP aide said Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) does not favor scheduling any trade votes this year in light of the unfavorable political climate.

The GOP’s reluctance to call up trade bills comes even as Trade Representative Robert Zoellick continues to negotiate with other nations. Yesterday he announced the completion of a bilateral trade deal with Morocco.