WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $450 million worker-assistance measure Thursday that Democrats earlier helped defeat, sending it to President Barack Obama for his signature as part of a package of trade legislation.
The vote was 286-138. The four representatives from Arkansas, all Republicans, voted against the Trade Adjustment Assistance legislation, which continues a program that helps U.S. workers who lose their jobs as a result of international trade pacts. The program has long been unpopular with Republicans.
"This week's votes represent a much-needed win for hardworking American families," Obama said in an emailed statement. He said he will sign the trade bills as soon as they reach his desk.
"We stand ready to go to the next step," said Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California on the House floor before the vote. She said Democratic efforts have helped mobilize attention on the matters surrounding trade pacts, including the effects on U.S. workers and the environment.
She said Democrats will be ready to shine a "bright spotlight" on the details of trade pacts as they come before Congress.
Passage of the worker-aid measure was one of the last elements of a hard-fought victory by Obama to push through a trade package that is a key second-term priority, even against opposition from his party. His victory was underscored by the Senate's final passage Wednesday of a measure giving him fast-track trade authority.
That bill would let Obama submit agreements to Congress for an expedited, up-or-down vote without amendments. His administration hopes to use the authority to complete a 12-country trade deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a major component in Obama's plan to shift U.S. foreign policy toward Asia.
The worker-aid measure was attached to an African trade measure.
Other tough battles are on the horizon. Congressional passage of fast-track authority is just one step toward completion of the Pacific trade deal. Democrats and labor unions are already promising a new fight if the deal makes it to a vote in Congress.
The workers' assistance program had been facing expiration Sept. 30.
Unpopular with Republicans, Democrats had long supported the program. Yet Pelosi and other House Democrats two weeks ago sought to scuttle the legislation because it had been paired procedurally with the fast-track measure they sought to defeat.
Some Democrats and labor groups warn that trade deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership could cost U.S. jobs. Obama expects the fast-track-authority measure to help him win passage of the deal.
The fast-track measure advanced with the help of Republicans who control Congress and who agree with Obama that free-trade agreements benefit the U.S. economy.
"With the passage of the Trade Preferences Extension Act, the final piece of the free-trade puzzle is in place," said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
He said Congress now has "a greater seat at the table to ensure the best possible trade deals to benefit American families, consumers, workers and businesses."
A Section on 06/26/2015