Posted on 05/12/2015 9:51:45 AM PDT by GIdget2004
A critical vote on President Barack Obama’s trade agenda appears in danger on Tuesday afternoon as Republicans suffered defections and Democratic leaders sounded confident they could muster the votes to block the bill.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) implored Democrats to open debate on fast-track trade legislation, but he stopped short of agreeing to their demands for additional worker protections ahead of a high-stakes, cliffhanger vote Tuesday afternoon.
With McConnell refusing to budge, Democratic leaders predicted that they can muster 41 votes to block the fast-track bill this afternoon, after both parties plot further strategy at private party lunches.
“I don’t think it’s going to be successful,” Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said about the vote.
Democrats want McConnell to package the so-called fast-track Trade Promotion Authority legislation with three other pieces of legislation, including one that would help workers affected by the massive trade agreement and one to crack down on currency manipulation.
But McConnell so far is refusing to guarantee that TPA, Trade Adjustment Assistance, the African Growth and Opportunity Act and a customs enforcement bill, which includes the currency manipulation provisions, will all be passed as part of a deal to open debate on the trade bill.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
Anything that could get the Tea Party in full agreement with Elizabeth Warren probably should not see the light of day.
The Democrats in R jerseys are working harder for Obama on this than the real Democrats.
That alone should set off alarm bells.
Not going to matter, it never does in the corrupt city of DC.
One of the few times I’ve seen an overwhelming majority of the posters on FR and DU in agreement.
This thing need to die.
If I wanted to vote for the Obama agenda, I'd have voted democRAT.
I wish I knew what was in it. But, if Obama wants it I can assume it's bad for the US... that much I can bet on.
Looking forward to seeing the role call vote.
One of the hidden gems is that the country of origin need not be put on the label.
Anyone for Mekong Delta shrimp?
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