Watch a live stream of President Barack Obama’s speech today at Nike in Beaverton.
The Associated Press recently reported that Obama wants Congress to approve so-called fast-track trade authority, giving him leeway to negotiate an Asia-Pacific trade deal that would be subject only to an up-or-down vote, without amendments, on Capitol Hill. It’s seen as essential to signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership that the Obama administration is now negotiating.
Many labor unions and other liberal groups have come out forcefully against fast-track authority, and critics are planning to protest outside Obama’s events on today and Friday.
The issue has also divided Oregon Democrats in Congress. Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Peter DeFazio are opposed, saying trade agreements create incentives to export jobs to countries with lower wages and less stringent labor and environmental requirements.
– Some material from The Associated Press
