Vote On Trade Authority Expected In October

ByJohn S. McClenahen Although the House Ways & Means Committee is still working on the legislation, trade promotion authority (TPA) for U.S. President George W. Bush could be ready for a vote by the full House of Representatives in about a month. Once known as fast-track authority, TPA would allow Congress to approve or reject -- but not to amend -- any trade pact the U.S. negotiated with other nations. Such White House authority lapsed in 1994. The biggest challenge for the House GOP leadership will be finding enough pro-TPA Democrats to join with Republicans to pass the measure as U.S. unemployment is rising and new doubts are being raised in Washington about economic recovery.