Posted on 04/23/2015 11:42:19 AM PDT by Kevin C
Major trade legislation favored by President Barack Obama and Republican leaders passed a Senate hurdle on Wednesday, despite opposition from some Democrats.
The fast track bill, which would pave the way for a sweeping trade agreement among 12 Pacific countries, cleared the Senate Finance Committee by a vote of 20 to 6. It passed along with a measure backed by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) that would seek to punish foreign companies that benefit from alleged currency manipulation overseas. Another key currency provision was defeated.
The fast track bills progress in the Senate came on a day when Mr. Obama faced a setback in the House, where his trade push faces the biggest obstacles. The top Democrat in the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) threw her support behind a rival piece of trade legislation. The alternative trade legislation, which Rep. Sander Levin (D., Mich.) said he would introduce Thursday, includes safeguards popular among labor groups and provisions to buttress the Detroit auto industry, as well as strong provisions on currency manipulation.
The lack of support among Democratic leaders, made clear on Wednesday, means the administration will have to work harder to clinch necessary Democratic votes for the main, bipartisan fast track bill, also known as trade promotion authority. The legislation, enacted under previous presidents, allows trade agreements to get a simple majority vote in Congress, without procedural delays or amendments. Besides fast track, the Senate committee approved three other bills that would provide a safety net for workers who lose their jobs to trade, renew programs that give preferential tariffs to developing countries, and facilitate customs processes and enforcement. In the customs bill, the committee easily approved Mr. Schumers currency legislation, which was opposed by the administration.
(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...
One issue on which (God forgive me)I am in complete agreement with Liz Warren on. This thing needs to die.
Can someone smarter than me explain these three bills in idiot proof language.
There is ONE “fast track” I want to put O’Bastard on and, it has nothing to do with international trade.
“Senate Committee Approves Fast Track Trade Bill Needed for Pacific Agreement”
O boy, another trade deal. The past ones have worked out so well.
So the RINOcrats join the DIMOrats and become one party. Kissing the skinny butt of the dictator in Sodom on the Potomac.
BOHICA, and you’re getting this one dry, no kiss.
Toothless bills to CYA in an election or primary.
“you speak treason”
“fluently”
I'm not. I agree more with cutting taxes. Related thread: Fighting the secret plot to make the world richer
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