WASHINGTON: The leader of the U.S. House of Representatives says he’s committed to passing a major trade deal as soon as possible, but he has not figured a way out of Congress’ logjam on legislation that’s a priority for President Barack Obama, who wants to complete a 12-nation Pacific Rim trade agreement.
Speaker John Boehner told reporters Tuesday that he and Obama spoke several times Monday. He said his team and the White House “are looking for a way forward” but have not found one.
Most House Democrats defied Obama last week and rejected a bill to give him “fast track” negotiating authority on trade deals.
Both parties on Tuesday were struggling to see if they could persuade enough colleagues to switch their votes and pass the measure.
Boehner urged colleagues to pass a procedural vote later Tuesday to allow more time to work on trade.