Senate to vote on ‘fast track’ bill
Obama gets pushback from Democrats
WASHINGTON President Obama’s trade agenda faces its first test in the GOP-controlled Senate today, with a vote on whether to move forward on legislation giving the president “fast track” trade authority.
The administration is pressing lawmakers to approve the bill so that it can conclude the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multilateral trade pact with 11 nations.
“It’s incredibly important for American workers that we pass this bill,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Monday. “We need strong and fair trade legislation that expands Congress’ oversight over the administration and sets clear rules and standards for its trade negotiators.”
Senate rules require a 60-vote supermajority to begin debate on the legislation that would give Obama the authority to send to Congress a trade pact that can be approved or rejected, but not amended.
The trade debate has blurred traditional political battle lines on Capitol Hill, with the strength of Obama’s support coming from GOP lawmakers. Obama’s Democratic allies, such as Senate Mi- nority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., are skeptical, if not outright opposed, to a trade deal they say will hurt American workers.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest downplayed questions Monday about whether Obama’s disputes with his party could alienate some of the Democrats he needs to advance his agenda through Congress.
“I’m not worried about that at all, and I don’t think the president is either,” Earnest said. “I think that’s why he’s been blunt about his views on this topic and why he believes that Democrats should be supportive of a trade agreement that, if reached, would clearly be in the best interests of our economy.”
Union leaders will hold a rally on Capitol Hill calling on senators to vote against the legislation.
Democrats are seeking assurances from Republicans that they will also hold votes on legislation to assist sub-Saharan African nations, Trade Adjustment Assistance to help American workers hurt by trade deals and a customs enforcement bill that includes language aimed at cracking down on countries that manipulate their currency.
If successful on Tuesday, Senate leaders will have to navigate an expected barrage of amendments from lawmakers in both parties who want to add certain requirements to or conditions around the administration’s negotiating authority.
“It’s incredibly important for American workers that we pass this bill.” Senate Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.