Posted on 05/12/2015 12:04:31 PM PDT by GIdget2004
Senate Democrats on Tuesday delivered a stinging blow to President Obama’s trade agenda by voting to prevent the chamber from picking up fast-track legislation.
A motion to cut off a filibuster and proceed to the trade bill fell short of a 60-vote hurdle in the 52-45 vote. Sen. Tom Carper (Del.) was the only Democrat to back it.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) switched his vote from yes to no to reserve his ability to return to the measure at a later date.
Fast-track is a top legislative priority for the White House, but it has run into significant Senate opposition that has been led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). It faces even more opposition from Democrats in the House, and the surprise Senate failure will raise doubts about whether the legislation will make its way through Congress.
Labor unions and other left-leaning groups have declared war on the fast-track bill, which they argue has shipped jobs overseas. The Senate is generally a more pro-trade body than the House, and it has been easier to move trade agreements through the upper chamber.
The standoff Tuesday focused on procedure, though there is significant opposition to fast-track itself in the Democratic conference.
Senate Democrats demanded that McConnell combine the fast-track bill with three other pieces of trade legislation, including a customs bill that would address currency manipulation.
The opposition included Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and other pro-trade Democrats who back the fast-track bill.
“The group is concerned about the lack of a commitment to trade enforcement, which is specifically the customs bill,” Wyden told reporters in explaining his opposition.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
The list, Ping
Let me know if you would like to be on or off the ping list
As I understand, they moonbats now want two additional bills to pass with the two that Hatch secured an agreement to being fast tracked now.
McConnell is NOT a Republican at this point. He is a bitch for Obama (google the recent 'personal note' Obama sent him last week).
McConnell is the second-most important man in Washington right now. Almost nothing can get done unless he and Obama want it to.
He doesn't care what is done as long as the proper honors go his way. Thus he will aid Obama in his destruction of the U.S. at every possible turn.
At least the harm was postponed.
Why did Cruz vote yes on this?
Man crush.
I guess Ted Cruz and Rand Paul must be GOPe. Never would’ve thought it.
She does not seem to understand that this is what the corporate GOP gets for supporting amnesty which is included in this bill. Sweets for the corporate bosses if they work with the Democrats “to get things done.” And destroy us. It's what Lenin was talking about when he said the, “Capitaolistwillsellth4roope tohisownhanigning.”
No thanks whatsoever to the marxists in the GOPe
As soon as you give them power, they run to the Leftwing President and give him what he wants.
They did the same with Clinton.
Wondering the same thing.
Neither of them is in handcuffs, being perp-walked out of the White House?
No tar, feathers, or fence-rails are present in the picture?
I can't think of any more logical reason why they are so willing to either roll over and quit or else proactively do damage to not only their own base but America.
They are total losers. At least the Democrats stand for something even if they are the wrong things.
I’m very disappointed with Cruz. I’m not liking what I’m seeing. Cruz should explain as to why he voted yes to this.
Warren may have just lost WH support should she decide to run for the presidency.
hmmm.
Reids black eye might be considered.
I don't’ think there's much difference between the two anymore, rather what each Representative stands to gain or loose in the shuffle..... Plus the Republicans are not exactly united now on any front...it's like each is on his own.
I will go with what Senator Jeff Sessions has to say on this: Sen. Jeff Sessions: Top Five Concerns With Trade Promotion Authority
Well worth reading, Senator Sessions speaks truthfully, as he always does.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.