US House plans June 12 vote on bill key to Pacific trade pact

Republicans aimed for a vote on Friday to hand President Barack Obama the coveted "fast-track" trade negotiating authority he needs to complete his signature Pacific trade pact after concessions to Democrats appeared to smooth the way forward. 

In a memo to fellow Republicans, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said the House of Representatives would vote on June 11 on new funding for a program to help workers hurt by trade, before the June 12 debate on legislation to speed trade deals through Congress. That tackles a key Democratic concern. 

The core legislation - fast-track trade authority for the president - is a central part of Obama's strategic shift toward Asia. It would be accomplished in part through the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that could boost global economic growth and US exports, while setting common standards among emerging and rich nations in one of the world's biggest trade deals. 

The legislation would enhance Obama's negotiating clout by letting Congress set negotiating objectives for trade deals such as the TPP, but preventing lawmakers from making changes to the final agreement. 

The Republican-controlled Rules Committee agreed to hold separate votes on the worker aid program and fast-track authority on June 12, a strategy aimed at maximizing votes from both sides of the aisle. Failure of either vote would mean starting again in the House. 

If the legislation passes, it would reassure Japan, the second-largest economy, after the United States, involved in the TPP talks. Japanese officials have said fast-track approval is necessary for the creation of the 12-nation TPP, which would encompass 40 percent of the world economy. 

"Trade votes are never an easy lift around here, but Republicans are...