US lawmakers seek to force action on trade pacts

Editor's Note: Yes, just what we need to boost the American economy; more so-called "free trade" agreements written by nation-less corporations.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
© AFP/Getty Images/File Win McNamee

AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama's Republican foes in the US Congress on Monday stepped up pressure on the White House to submit free trade deals with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama for lawmakers' final approval.

Forty-four Senate Republicans signed a letter warning they would block confirmation of Obama's next Commerce secretary pick and any other trade nominees until he sends the three agreements up for congressional passage.

"Any further delay of these agreements is unnecessary and inexcusable," the group, led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, wrote to Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.