Posted on 05/14/2015 10:05:03 AM PDT by GIdget2004
The Senate took an initial step toward picking up President Obama’s trade agenda on Thursday by approving a controversial customs bill that includes language cracking down on currency manipulation by trading partners.
The legislation was easily approved in a 78-20 vote. Under rules adopted for the vote, 60 votes were needed for the measure to pass.
GOP presidential hopefuls Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Marco Rubio (Fla.) voted no, while Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.), another 2016 GOP candidate, voted yes. So did Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.), who is considering a 2016 run.
Democrats had demanded a vote on the bill in exchange for supporting a later vote that would allow the Senate to begin debate on fast-track trade legislation, a key legislative priority for Obama. That vote is scheduled for 2 p.m. Supporters of the currency manipulation language frame the customs bill as a trade enforcement measure, and the vote gives some cover for Democrats who want to back fast-track.
It’s unclear, however, whether the customs bill will be picked up by the House. The Obama administration also doesn’t support the measure. It warned ahead of the vote on Thursday that the currency provisions “raise highly problematic questions” about if the legislation would violate current international trade agreements, though it stopped short of a veto threat.
The fast-track legislation would allow Obama to send a trade pact he is negotiating with Asian and Latin American countries to Congress for an up-or-down vote. Congress would not be able to amend the legislation under fast-track.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
Just yesterday someone was blasting Cruz because he was going to support this bill.
Today he voted no. So much for that charge.
Okay, this wasn’t the full bill yet.
Republicans were under pressure to oppose the customs bill.
The Club for Growth, a conservative outside group, said ahead of the vote that it would include the customs vote as part of its congressional scorecard.
“Our largest objection to this bill is the currency language that was added during the committee markup conducted earlier this year,” the group said. “This new language would designate currency manipulation as a prohibited export subsidy, and thus, allow the government to take remedial action against the foreign country in question.”
At least Cruz got it right on this one.
Okay, this wasn’t the full bill yet.
It’s Secret anyway ,LOL
Yeah, I caught that too, later. Drat! = :^)
Yes! Gotta vote for it before you know what’s in it.
That vote is at 2 pm . They shouldn't allow any fast track . The constitution says that 66% of the Senate has to approve any trade bill . To allow an up or down vote means just 50% need to pass it which is basically just giving in to Obama. But it seems like that is what they will do.
To let it get to the up or down that is the surrender. And then some may vote against it just to run in the election knowing that it will pass anyway. if it passes ALL are to blame no matter how they voted. they should filibuster or do something.
He voted against the Dem amendment not Fast Track bill.
Read the article.
The entire Gop voted for fast track on Tuesday .
The Dems filibustered it and they got changes thru some procedural tricks by Mitchy.
The fast track said just 50% to pass the trade deal an no amendments can be added. So that's just basically passing it and giving all power to Obama.
If this trade bill passes Obama will destroy the USA by bringing in millions of immigrants. If it passes all senators will be to blame because they should filibuster or do something before the fast track. voting no when only 50% is needed to pass it is a meaningless vote and they know it . they are playing games. the stakes couldn't be higher here and Senators are not communicating this nor putting up resistance to Obama. many on here seem to be more worried as to how Cruz looks voting this way or that on the bill . What about worrying about how this bill will destroy the USA?
You seem to see it but others are not getting it.
The bill that will destroy the USA is the fast track. This allows only a 50% vote in the Senate to pass it. The Constitution says it needs 66% of the Senate voting yes to pass any trade bill and amendments.
The fast track said just 50% to pass the trade deal an no amendments can be added. So that’s just basically passing it and giving all power to Obama.
If this trade bill passes Obama will destroy the USA by bringing in millions of immigrants. If it passes all senators will be to blame because they should filibuster or do something before the fast track. voting no when only 50% is needed to pass it is a meaningless vote and they know it . they are playing games. the stakes couldn’t be higher here and Senators are not communicating this nor putting up resistance to Obama. many on here seem to be more worried as to how Cruz looks voting this way or that on the bill . What about worrying about how this bill will destroy the USA?
Why arent the conservative filibustering this disaster???
Why is Sessions and Cruz and Lee and Paul snd Rubio - all the supposed conservative not filibustering ????
Why can only the Dems Fight ???
Why are they letting them getting Cloture vote now !
we have been SOLD OUT .
K street owns the Gop!
Every single one!
Thank you NCalBurt.
I picked up on that later, and mentioned it on the thread.
I appreciate your note.
I agree with that.
I do not approve of any new trade legislation until we can recover from out past deals.
I don’t know how he plans to vote this afternoon, but not long ago, Cruz said he supports fast track.
Senator Ted Cruz: “I support fast track, yes,” Mr. Cruz said at an event in Iowa this year, calling free trade one of the few areas where Republicans and Democrats can find common ground.
I hear no one Rush Fox talking about it !
The posters here are burned out OR clueless to the process and too concerned about Cruz or Sessions or whoever to realize they have been sucker punched
no problem .The usual crappy media cover story !
FAST Track = OBama having unlimited power to bring in hundreds of millions of 3rd world immigrants.
If it passes the USA is over.
If they don't filibuster or stop it with amendments or something then ALL senators will be to blame no mater if they make a show vote when only 50% required to pass it
You’re absolutely right. Someone else mentioned people are so worried about how Cruz will “look” for the up coming election instead of worrying about our country. Our country is being stolen right out from under us and we’re worried about one man? Hell I still don’t understand how 500 people can dictate to millions. We seriously need to grow a spine.
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