US Vice-President Joe Biden has acknowledged concerns by fellow Democrat Party leaders about the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, or TPP.
Joe Biden. Photo: AFP
According to a senior Democratic congressional aide who spoke on condition of anonymity, Mr Biden has met House of Representatives Democrats behind closed doors and told them he understands the political reality of their misgivings on free trade.
President Barack Obama has asked Congress to approve fast-track negotiation authority that would enable his administration to speed up talks on the TPP and a deal with the European Union.
Reuters reports that some Democrats fear the fast-track authority could lead to trade deals that could hurt local jobs and industry and could cost them support in November's congressional elections.
But supporters of the fast-track authority say trade partners will not put their best offers on the table unless they know the final agreement can be submitted to Congress for an up-or-down vote, without amendments.
Fast-track authority is seen as a litmus test of political support for free-trade deals.
