One Congressional official said that the amendment was snarled in an unrelated legislative dispute over American textiles.
And, seriously weakened as it is, the American textile and apparel industry is still flexing its political muscles.
The museum displayed the company's collection of historic European and American textiles.
Supporters of the bill said it was needed to help the American textile and shoe industries, which have been hurt by foreign competition, mainly from Asia.
Other topics include American textiles, sculpture and American folk art.
United States trade officials haven't approved the deal, citing concerns that it could hurt American textile and apparel companies.
Fluctuating demand for American textiles has threatened to put my family in the streets.
The spring session starts Wednesday with classes in American textiles and folk art painting.
Occasionally, he adds an American textile - like a blue cotton duvet cover - to contrast with the brilliantly colored Asian fabrics.
Meanwhile the prospects for sending American textiles and raw materials into Mexico could improve sharply.