Top Democrat Pushes Back On Expanding Obama’s Trade Powers

WASHINGTON — The biggest economic policy fight of 2015 is creating serious headaches for congressional Democrats, and particularly Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

As the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, Wyden is the party’s point-man on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a controversial free trade pact the Obama administration is negotiating with 11 other Pacific nations. President Barack Obama and Republican leaders broadly support the deal, saying it will expand economic growth. But many Democrats in Congress and liberal organizations oppose it, concerned that it could exacerbate income inequality, undermine key regulations and reward regimes that abuse human rights.

Sabrina Siddiqui contributed reporting.

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