House May Vote on Single Issue in Trade Bill

The House Rules Committee on Wednesday gave Republicans a chance to force a separate vote on a controversial part of the omnibus trade bill when the House considers the compromise version of the measure today.

House Minority Leader Robert H. Michel (R-Ill.) will propose that the entire trade bill be sent back to a House-Senate conference committee with instructions to strip away the provision that employers must give 60 days’ notice of intent to close a manufacturing facility or make large-scale layoffs.

President Reagan has vowed to veto the bill if it contains that provision, which has been a prime goal of organized labor.

“I believe there is room for a compromise on this issue, and if we make a little extra effort, I believe we can arrive at an acceptable solution,” Michel wrote to the Rules Committee. “We must not allow this legislation to be buried under the rubble of political special interests.”

Michel’s proposal appeared unlikely to be adopted by the full House, but Republicans hope that it wins enough votes to show that the trade bill lacks the support to override a veto.

The 1,000-page bill, although far less protectionist than other versions originally passed by the Senate and House, would mandate a tougher U.S. response to trade barriers in foreign countries. It would also allocate nearly $1 billion to training and other benefits.

If the House defeats Michel’s proposal and passes the trade bill in its present form, Senate action on it is expected Friday.