Bush administration, Democratic lawmakers reach trade deal compromise
The Bush administration reached a compromise with House Democrats Thursday by assuring that pending free trade pacts must comply with the U.S. government’s more stringent labor rules rather than those of the International Labor Organization.
Pro-trade industry groups applauded the compromise.
“It is our hope that this deal can pave the way for a solid majority of (House) members to vote in favor of renewing trade promotion authority and passage of bilateral agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama, and Korea,” said Tom Donohue, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a statement.