Congress takes up China trade bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is attacking the jobs front this week, with votes on China currency, free trade and President Barack Obama’s jobs bill.

The Senate on Tuesday evening should pass legislation imposing economic sanctions on China if it continues to keep its exports cheap by undervaluing its currency. The bill, however, faces opposition in the House and may function mainly as a strong message of frustration with China’s economic policies.

It will also be difficult for Senate Democrats, facing stiff GOP opposition, to obtain the 60 votes needed to advance Obama’s $447 billion jobs bill.

It is almost certain, however, that the House and Senate will vote by Wednesday to approve free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama that supporters say will foster tens of thousands of American jobs.