Congress to take up jobs, trade bills

After weeks of hearing President Obama tell them to “pass the bill,” Senate Democrats return from a long weekend and are expected to actually try to do so today. A procedural vote on their version of the Obama jobs plan is due tonight.

Faced with GOP opposition, the effort is expected to fall short of the 60 votes needed to move forward, but all eyes will be on moderate Democrats and how they handle the vote. Many are facing tough reelection prospects and are moving away from a president who is down in the polls. Tuesday’s vote will be a test of how far they are willing to go.

Other measures on the floor this week are expected to fare better. Congress is scheduled to take up a trio of long-lingering trade deals after finally resolving disputes over aid for workers displaced by foreign competition.

After Republicans agreed to back the aid to workers, the pacts with Colombia, South Korea and Panama have the bipartisan support needed to pass.

Both chambers are aiming to wrap up votes before Thursday, when South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is scheduled to address Congress.

Another trade issue is proving more contentious. The Senate on Tuesday is expected to vote on a bill imposing duties on imports from countries found to be undervaluing their currency. The bill is aimed at China and has found support among lawmakers who say it will prevent job losses due to increase imports with China.

The bill managed to get the bipartisan backing to climb the biggest hurdle in the Senate last week, but its prospects beyond that remain grim.

Both Obama and GOP leaders in the House have been cool to the bill. House Republicans argue that it could set off a trade war with China. The administration has not formally taken a position.

kathleen.hennessey@latimes.com