Obama's trade agenda gets big biz boost

Powerful business groups are intensifying their lobbying efforts for an expansive Pacific Rim trade agreement, a crucial move needed to push the deal through Congress. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) gave President Obama’s trade agenda a boost on Monday when it endorsed the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), likely setting the stage for endorsements from other major groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable (BRT). Without the groups’ support, the TPP would have little chance of passing. Momentum for the deal is even more vital in an election year, when candidates on both sides of the aisle are assailing it.