House Democrats block White House-backed trade bill

The House shot down a bill to expand the president’s trade powers today, dealing an embarrassing blow to the White House by its own party. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., refused to support the bill despite last-minute pleas that President Barack Obama delivered in person at the Capitol.

The House technically voted 302-126 against a federal aid package for workers who lose their jobs through imports. The package was an essential component of the trade bill, which is effectively sunk without it.

The trade bill would have allowed President Barack Obama to negotiate global deals that Congress could approve or reject but not change. Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and other GOP leaders in the House supported the legislation, but many Republicans balked at giving the president more authority. They also struggled to justify voting for the relief package, which many conservatives consider unnecessary spending.

The White House wants expanded trade power as it works to close a round of talks with 11 Pacific-area countries. Organized labor fervently lobbied against the bill, which union leaders warned would lead to the loss of American jobs. Pelosi said the bill was “stuck in the station,” suggesting that changes could get it moving again. Boehner could bring up the measure for a vote again next week if Obama can build more support for it over the weekend.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.