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Reports that a coalition of labor, environmental and human rights groups in the United States announced their opposition to renewing presidential trade negotiating authority. Pro-trade coalition that unveiled their plans for enacting legislation; Increased awareness for making trade more closely connected to the plight of workers and the integrity of the environment.

The article discusses issues related to the preparation of enforceable international labor and environmental standards which are part of the legislative process for new trade agreements in the U.S. According to American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) policy director Thea Lee, environmental and union officials expressed their concerns about the problem brought by investment provisions in bipartisan deals.

Reports on the mobilization plans of the labor sector in the United States to voice its concerns on the presidential trade negotiating authority and the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas. Involvement of organized labor in debates over extending trade relations with China; Efforts of union officials to contact congressional leaders.

Reports reaction of labor unions over the vote of California Representative Lois Capps in favor of granting China permanent normal trade relations status. Action taken by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters against Capps; Impossibility of using Capps' vote against her by the union members; Opinion of labor activist on PNTR vote of Capps.

Reports plans of the United States House Democrats to find ways to offset labor union anger at Democrat supporters of the permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to China. Need for labor unions to decide on the issue; Criticisms received by Vice President Al Gore for supporting the trade legislation; Reactions from Democrat members.