(AP) Schwab: Trade Talks Underway With Dems

[Eugene]

Schwab: Trade Talks Underway With Dems
Schwab says quiet talks on trade under way to bridge labor,
environmental gaps with Democrats

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2007
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer

(AP) President Bush's top trade negotiator said Monday that quiet talks are under
way with congressional Democrats seeking to bridge differences on labor and
environmental standards in trade deals.

U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said she was "hopeful and confident that
Congress will quickly answer" the call Bush made last week for a renewal of trade
promotion authority, which is set to expire on July 1.

-snip-

Schwab, who spoke to a coalition of business and farm groups lobbying for renewal
of fast-track authority, said that the administration was having a "quiet
conversation with Democrats on the Hill on labor and the environment. These talks
are ongoing and I am hoping we will be able to bridge the gap."

-snip-

Schwab said she had been encouraged by the comments made by Democratic leaders
in public and in her private conversations with them.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/12/ap/politics/mainD8N8EUDO0.shtml

[madfloridian]

1. Of course they will give him fast track....of course.

http://dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?kaid=131&subid=192&contentid=254186

"While many Democrats find it tempting to "Just Say No" to Bush trade policies and refuse to offer a progressive alternative strategy, this would squander real opportunities to boost U.S. exports, create jobs for middle-class workers, provide tangible help to some of the world's poorest and most unstable regions, and keep this country competitive in a global marketplace from which we cannot possibly isolate ourselves.

Fortunately, key Democrats in Congress -- most notably the chairmen of the House and Senate committees with major jurisdiction over trade policy, Rep. Charles Rangel of New York and Sen. Max Baucus of Montana -- understand the false choices so often posed in the trade debate, and are looking ahead toward new and fresh approaches, combining advocacy of American exports with much greater support for worker and family security at home, and a comprehensive program to upgrade American competitiveness"

[Fovea]

2. This is a key area

where our government has fallen into corporate control.
Breaking that hold on the public good is vital.

[denverbill]

3. Talk is cheap.

"much greater support for worker and family security at home"

I don't trust the DLC any further than I'd trust Bush when it comes to Free Trade policies. I believe in Open Markets and Free Trade, but only if the policies work to bring up the standards in the third world, not drag down the rest of the world to third world status. When I see countries like Mexico raising their minimum wages and allowing unionization, I'll start believing the DLC.

[w4rma]

4. Bush has enough power. His power over trade should not be renewed. (nt)