TPP faces tough passage through US Congress

Washington

A 12-NATION Pacific Rim free-trade deal, facing stiff opposition from many Democrats and unexpected resistance from Republicans, is unlikely to be voted on by the US Congress before President Barack Obama leaves office, according to some Republican lawmakers and aides.

A veteran Senate Republican aide, who asked not to be identified, said Republican leaders intend to shelve the deal until after the November 2016 presidential election, which would dash administration hopes of a vote in the first half of next year.