Obama signs anti-BDS bill into law

US President Barack Obama has signed into law a controversial trade measure that also contains legislation against the anti-Israeli boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement in Europe.

The broader legislation faced an uphill battle after Obama’s usual allies — Democrats in the House of Representative — bucked his authority and voted against key provisions out of concern that liberalization of trade could impact American jobs.

But on Monday, Obama signed into law the so-called “fast track” authorization that will allow US trade negotiators to work out a long-awaited deal with Asian states known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Trade Promotion Authority legislation also contained the anti-BDS provisions, which make rejection of the movement a top priority for US negotiators as they work on a more distant free trade agreement with the European Union.

These law, sponsors hope, will discourage European governments from participating in BDS activities by leveraging the incentive of free trade with the US.