Democrat Threatens to Block Bush's Choice for USTR

A U.S. Senate Democrat threatened on Tuesday to block President Bush's choice for U.S. trade representative unless leaders allow a vote on legislation aimed at slapping duties on subsidized imports from China.

"I decided to take this step because I cannot sit idly by while American workers and companies continue to be victimized by foreign countries who violate our trade agreements with impunity," Sen. Evan Bayh, an Indiana Democrat, said in a statement.

"Everyday American workers get up in the morning and already have one hand tied behind their backs because of illegal Chinese subsidies."
(Reuters)