"Setbacks and Delays: Biden's Pacific Trade Pact Faces Congressional Criticism and Further Work Needed"
The Biden administration has delayed announcing the conclusion of substantial portions of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, a trade pact aimed at strengthening alliances and economic ties in Asia, after facing criticism from prominent Democratic lawmakers. Senator Sherrod Brown and others have raised concerns about inadequate protections for workers in the countries covered by the agreement. The administration has decided not to push for the trade portion of the agreement this week, but still plans to announce progress on clean energy, decarbonization, and taxation. The delay is a setback for the administration's strategy to counter China's influence in the region.