Democrats threaten extortion on Colombia trade pact

Washington Post:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said today that Democrats will seek to delay consideration of a trade agreement with Colombia, prompting the White House to accuse Democrats of threatening the next administration's bargaining power in trade talks.

Pelosi, who worked with the administration in crafting the Colombia Free Trade Agreement last year, said the House would vote on a rule change to freeze the clock on when it must consider the pact. Under the current provisions, the House has 60 legislative days to consider the measure after President Bush sent it to Capitol Hill on Monday.

Democrats instead want the trade deal considered as part of a broader economic relief package. Bush has rejected talk of a second stimulus package.

"We're first and foremost here to look out for the concerns of America's working families. I take this action with deep respect to the people of Colombia and will be sure that any message they receive is one of respect for their country," Pelosi said.

The delayed consideration for the trade deal leaves its final approval in grave doubt, and administration officials warned that it would also handcuff any future president's bargaining power in talks.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino angrily criticized Pelosi's move during a press briefing today, saying the administration has "bent over backwards" to meet Democratic demands. She said abandoning the agreement would have a chilling effect on future trade negotiations.

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This is another example of the bad faith of the Democrat leadership in the House. Having run out of excuses that were germane to the bill they are using to extort more money for their constituents.