Lawmakers reach deal on customs bill

House and Senate leaders agreed on Monday to send a customs enforcement bill to President Obama by the end of June, in a move that could help shore up Senate Democratic support for legislation laying the ground work for major trade deals.

A trio of lawmakers said they consulted Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to reach an agreement that would require a House-Senate conference to reconcile differences.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Finance Committee ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said they would start a conference immediately after the House passes its enforcement bill.

“A strong enforcement agenda is critical to making sure our trading partners live up to their end of the deal, and making the most of the opportunities for American businesses and workers,” Hatch, Ryan and Wyden said in a joint statement.

The move comes as the lawmakers are trying to cobble together votes needed to pass a bill giving Obama trade promotion authority. Also known as fast-track power, TPA would limit Congress to an up-or-down vote on trade deals negotiated by the White House.

“We will continue to work to pass strong TPA legislation that lays the groundwork for modern trade agreements that open new markets and set new standards for trade around the world,” they said.

Last week, the Senate easily passed its measure, which includes a controversial amendment cracking down on currency manipulation by trading partners, on a 78-20 vote.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) authored the provision that would punish countries with additional duties on imports if it is determined they are undervaluing their currency to gain a global trading advantage.

The Schumer amendment isn’t expected to survive a conference because it is opposed by the White House.

The vow to complete the customs measure next month could convince some wary Senate Democrats to give the White House the fast-track authority it needs to streamline trade deals through Congress.

Last week, Senate Democrats stalled action on the trade promotion authority to ensure that a group of four trade bills would be passed and send to the president’s desk in quick succession.

Some Democrats wanted all of the trade bills wrapped into a package. But an agreement reached last week moved up the customs bill and a trade preferences measure for nations in sub-Saharan Africa ahead of consideration of the combined fast-track and Trade Adjustment Assistance legislation, which is expected to dominate this week’s agenda.