CQ TODAY MIDDAY UPDATE
Sept. 21, 2007 – 1:46 p.m.
Democrats Back Peru Trade Pact in ‘Mock’ Senate Markup

By 14-2, the Senate Finance Committee on Friday approved draft implementation language for a trade agreement with Peru in a “mock” markup of the legislation.

When Republicans controlled Congress and the Finance Committee approved an earlier implementation measure in July 2006, only two Democrats supported it. This time Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan was the only Democrat to vote against the measure.

Now that Democrats are in charge, they managed to secure long-sought labor and environmental standards, along with some other changes, in the Peru agreement earlier this year.

Some Republicans remain unhappy about those changes; Orrin G. Hatch of Utah opposed the legislation, citing concerns with the labor and intellectual property changes pushed by Democrats.

On the other hand, Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, who had opposed the agreement last time, voted in favor of it Friday.

Under the fast-track trade negotiating rules (PL 107-210), the panel holds an advisory markup of implementing language drafted by the administration and can recommend changes. Once the administration sends a final version of the measure to Congress, lawmakers must consider it on an expedited schedule and without amendments.

The House Ways and Means panel has set its mock markup on the Peru measure for Sept. 25.

Source: CQ Today Midday Update
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