Barshefsky Approved; Trade Deal Survives

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The Senate yesterday approved the nomination of Charlene Barshefsky as the nation's top trade negotiator, after turning back an attempt by a senior Democrat to torpedo a recent global telecommunications trade deal.

Receiving high praise from lawmakers from both parties, Mrs. Barshefsky's nomination was approved 99-1, with only freshman Sen. Wayne Allard, Colorado Republican, dissenting.

But that vote took place after more than four hours of debate over an amendment from Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, South Carolina Democrat, that would have required congressional approval of any trade agreement that "in effect" rewrites U.S. law.

Mr. Hollings' amendment, …