Senate Passes U.S- Jordan FTA After Gramm Drops Objections

The Senate today (Sept. 24) approved legislation implementing a free-trade agreement with Jordan after Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX) dropped his objections based on the inclusion of labor and environmental obligations in the FTA. Gramm had argued that the FTA would allow Jordan to challenge a U.S. decision to drill for oil in Alaska backed by trade sanctions. In the Sept. 24 floor debate, Gramm said he was releasing his hold because President Bush's desire to see the bill pass in...