Trade Representative Ron Kirk said on Tuesday he was optimistic a deal could be struck with Republicans clearing the way for Congress to pass free trade pacts with South Korea, Colombia and Panama after lawmakers return in September from a month-long recess.
President Barack Obama had hoped to win approval of the three agreements before the August break but Republicans balked at a White House plan to include an extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program for displaced U.S. workers in the implementing legislation for the South Korea pact.