Lawmakers Unveil 'fast Track' Trade Bill

U.S. lawmakers unveiled a bill Thursday that would give President Barack Obama "fast track" negotiating authority on international trade agreements. The White House has sought fast track, formally known as trade promotion authority, to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership with other Pacific countries. Fast track has drawn fire from many Democrats, however, since it would deny lawmakers the ability to amend trade agreements. Congress would be only be allowed up-or-down votes on agreements. The bill was introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican; Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the finance committee's top Democrat; and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the Republican who leads the House Ways and Means Committee.