ID :
197681
Wed, 07/27/2011 - 20:18
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/197681
The shortlink copeid
Republican lawmakers ready for vote on FTAs, worker aid program: Camp
WASHINGTON, July 27 (Yonhap) -- A senior Republican lawmaker urged President Barack Obama Wednesday to submit free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Colombia and Panama to Congress, saying a resolution to the controversy over a worker assistance program is in sight.
David Camp (R-MI), chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, strongly indicated that congressional leaders have reached a deal to draw a line between the FTAs and the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.
"I believe we have negotiated a good TAA package, one that can and should stand on its own," Camp said in a speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
"Last week, 12 Senate Republicans vowed to vote for cloture on that package and set a clear path forward for consideration of
the trade agreements and TAA in the Senate," he added. "The speaker has already promised that he would put the TAA bill on the floor. What more does the president need?"
Obama has been hesitant to send the FTAs, signed several years ago, to Congress for ratification before assurance that Congress will approve the renewal of TAA. Republican members take a dim view of the US$1 billion-a-year program, arguing it duplicates many other employment assistance measures.
Obama wants Congress to approve the TAA together with the FTA with South Korea, called KORUS FTA.
Camp stressed the urgency of putting the pact into effect. He cited reports that the European Union's exports to South Korea have already grown 20 percent since their FTA took effect July 1.
"The time for talk on trade, and more importantly the talk about the jobs they will create, is over," he said. "For the sake
of the 14 million unemployed workers in this country, the president should send up the trade agreements now. If he does so, I will and the House will act on the trade agreements and TAA immediately."
But the government is unlikely to send the FTAs to Congress before its month-long summer break starting on Aug. 6.
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk openly said Tuesday that he expects Congress to approve the pacts when it reconvenes in September.
David Camp (R-MI), chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, strongly indicated that congressional leaders have reached a deal to draw a line between the FTAs and the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.
"I believe we have negotiated a good TAA package, one that can and should stand on its own," Camp said in a speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
"Last week, 12 Senate Republicans vowed to vote for cloture on that package and set a clear path forward for consideration of
the trade agreements and TAA in the Senate," he added. "The speaker has already promised that he would put the TAA bill on the floor. What more does the president need?"
Obama has been hesitant to send the FTAs, signed several years ago, to Congress for ratification before assurance that Congress will approve the renewal of TAA. Republican members take a dim view of the US$1 billion-a-year program, arguing it duplicates many other employment assistance measures.
Obama wants Congress to approve the TAA together with the FTA with South Korea, called KORUS FTA.
Camp stressed the urgency of putting the pact into effect. He cited reports that the European Union's exports to South Korea have already grown 20 percent since their FTA took effect July 1.
"The time for talk on trade, and more importantly the talk about the jobs they will create, is over," he said. "For the sake
of the 14 million unemployed workers in this country, the president should send up the trade agreements now. If he does so, I will and the House will act on the trade agreements and TAA immediately."
But the government is unlikely to send the FTAs to Congress before its month-long summer break starting on Aug. 6.
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk openly said Tuesday that he expects Congress to approve the pacts when it reconvenes in September.
