Senate clears landmark 'fast-track' trade bill*** WASHINGTON -- In a mixed blessing for President Bush, the Democrat-controlled Senate on Thursday approved 66-30 a bill granting him authority to negotiate international trade agreements and providing generous benefits to displaced workers. But the measure also would give Congress the ability to amend treaties after they are negotiated -- a provision Bush Cabinet officials say could trigger a presidential veto if it isn't stripped.
"You won't have trade promotion authority (because) you could change part of the agreement, so how are you going to get countries to negotiate with you," said Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, a key Republican who helped draft the bill. It is unclear whether Republicans have enough support to remove that provision when they meet with House negotiators over differences in the two chambers' bills. In December, the House passed a Bush-backed trade bill by one vote. ***
Anti-Chavez Rally Takes to Caracas Streets - "Hugo, Hugo, time to go" ***Six weeks after Chavez survived the brief ouster, the former paratrooper faces increasing political divisions and economic instability in the world's fifth-largest oil exporter. His political opponents are now weighing political moves to try to remove Chavez from office, including a referendum, new elections or amending the constitution to shorten the president's term in office. "He's going to go. He has to. Who could stand this pressure every day," said Hildegar Rodriguez, an economist who joined the rally outside the attorney general's office. But most opposition proposals still involve delays, legal wrangling or must pass through Venezuela's National Assembly, where Chavez's supporters hold a majority.***