US Democratic senator warns that Republicans could bar Panama trade deal

A top Democratic senator warned that US trade deals with Colombia, Panama and South Korea will not pass unless Republicans agree to a robust retraining program for displaced workers.

"They must move together as a package ... Otherwise nothing happens. It's all or nothing," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus said at a hearing on the Panama pact.

Earlier this week, 41 Democrats sent a letter to President Barack Obama backing his decision not send the trade pacts to Congress until there is a deal to reauthorize an expanded Trade Adjustment Assistance program.

Original source: Reuters