WASHINGTON, April 13 (UPI) -- Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., has signaled he will block a Senate vote on the nomination of Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, to become U.S. Trade Representative.
Congress Daily reported Bayh, citing his wishes to get a vote on legislation addressing Chinese and Vietnamese export subsidies, said he will place a hold on the vote unless a vote is scheduled for his bill.
Bayh's surprise move came even before the White House has officially forwarded the nomination to the Senate for consideration.
He has indicated he will drop the hold if GOP leaders agree to a vote on the "Stop Overseas Subsidies Act," which he introduced last month with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
The bill would make it easier for U.S. manufacturers to seek antidumping duties against Chinese and Vietnamese imports.
Bayh told reporters he believes he has the votes for passage, but would be willing to have the measure attached to another bill, if needed.
