WASHINGTON (AP) - Supporters of the Central American Free Trade Agreement on Monday picked up votes from several textile-state Republicans, but were still hedging on whether they would have a majority when the trade deal comes up for a vote in the House.
"We're getting to the point where we will have the votes," U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman said a news conference announcing concessions aimed at ensuring that CAFTA will not result in a further loss of jobs to the battered U.S textile industry.
With the concessions, three House Republicans who had previously leaned against the pact, Spencer Bachus and Mike Rogers of Alabama and Bob Inglis of South Carolina, said they would now support it.
With the side deal on textiles, CAFTA will help Alabama and the United States, Bachus said. "Additional uncommitted members are realizing this as well and are coming aboard."
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