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Pelosi, Dems Hijack Colombia Free-Trade Deal

They change House rules to avoid a vote, angering Bush

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 9, 2008 6:58 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Congressional Democrats thumbed their noses today at Bush's renewed efforts to pass a free-trade pact with Colombia. Bush sent the bill over Monday, mandating Congress to vote yea or nay within 90 days. Or so he thought. Nancy Pelosi is changing the House rules and won't allow a vote until the White House attends to more pressing domestic issues, the New York Times reports.

The White House blasted Pelosi's move, arguing that opposition to the bill weakens US-Colombia relations, lends support to America's foes, and could throw the economy into further disrepair. But for the time being Democrats are sticking to their guns—and their labor and working-class constituents, who view free-trade as a major source of the current economic downturn.

Defying the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today the House will change its rules to avoid a required vote this year on a hotly disputed free-trade agreement with Colombia.
Defying the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today the House will change its rules to avoid a required vote this year on a hotly disputed free-trade agreement with Colombia.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Defying the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today the House will change its rules to avoid a required vote this year on a hotly disputed free-trade agreement with Colombia.
Defying the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today the House will change its rules to avoid a required vote this year on a hotly disputed free-trade agreement with Colombia.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today the House will change its rules to avoid a required vote this year on a hotly disputed free-trade agreement with Colombia.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today the House will change its rules to avoid a required vote this year on a hotly disputed free-trade agreement with Colombia.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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Colombia trade pact disregards human rights issues
The Nation

Rice says Colombia deal is a must
Bloomberg

Bill Clinton backed Colombia deal long ago
Politico

Politics • US

 
Nancy Pelosi • Congress • Latin America • White House • Colombia • recession • US economy • domestic policy • congressional Democrats • free trade • free trade agreements • George W. Bush • Colombia Free Trade Pact

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