The U.S. Congress often accomplishes more during lame duck sessions, the period after an election and before new members are sworn in, because those retiring from office converge with moderates to accomplish fundamental needs. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) is retiring, and he has such a dream. He envisions a grand bargain that addresses the serious holes in U.S. trade policy. These include:

Reauthorizing the Generalized System of Preferences (relatively non-partisan) Reauthorizing Trade Adjustment Assistance (a priority for Democrats) Establishing Trade Promotion Authority solely for a U.S. – United Kingdom FTA (relatively non-controversial) Establishing policies for better addressing the trade challenges posed by China (a bipart...