New threat to coalition of US lawmakers in support of trade pact with Panama

The expiration of a program that supports those left jobless by trade pacts threatens to fracture the coalition of US lawmakers backing trade accords with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance program ended Saturday, potentially stopping the flow of money for services for 155,000 to 170,000 people in coming days unless Congressional Republicans can break an impasse over cost.

The battle over extending the program feeds into a broader tension between the White House and Republicans over the Colombia and Panama free-trade deals.

Original source: Wall Street Journal