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Trade agreement could cause rift in political camps

In this Oct. 2, 2015, file photo, President Barack Obama speaks during a news conference in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. An ambitious trade pact involving the United States and 11 other nations is a major victory for Obama but could create a rift among Democrats and cause friction with a key base of their political support. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) In this Oct. 2, 2015, file photo, President Barack Obama speaks during a news conference in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. An ambitious trade pact involving the United States and 11 other nations is a major victory for Obama but could create a rift among Democrats and cause friction with a key base of their political support. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

By Associated Press October 6, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – An ambitious trade pact involving the United States and 11 other nations is a major victory for President Barack Obama but could create a rift among Democrats and cause friction with a key base of their political support.

It will be weeks before the full scope of the agreement announced Monday is known, but several labor groups are worried that it will result in American jobs being sent to counties with lower wages.

A congressional vote on the Trans-Pacific Partnership is not expected to occur until well into next year, providing unions with the chance to maximize leverage with lawmakers.

Obama went to work immediately in selling the agreement. He visits the Agriculture Department Tuesday to tout its benefits for farmers.