By Sue Kirchhoff, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Uneasy about record trade deficits, the rising economic clout of China and opposition from domestic sugar producers and unions, lawmakers are balking at approving a pact to open markets between the USA and Central America.

 

Congressional Democratic leaders say they don't think most Democrats will support the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) if there's a vote in coming weeks, as expected. Republicans who normally back trade deals are balking. To drum up support, President Bush meets today with leaders of Central American nations to tout the economic and political benefits of the deal.