BREAKING: Senate Approves Fast-Track Trade Authority Bill
by Rich Tucker22 May 2015
AP
- Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), (Conservative Review (conservativereview.com) Liberty Score™ 14% Voting Record; F
- Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) (Conservative Review (conservativereview.com) Liberty Score™ 100%, Voting Record; A
- Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) Conservative Review (conservativereview.com) Liberty Score™ 93% Voting Record; A
- Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) Conservative Review (conservativereview.com) Liberty Score™ 80% Voting Record; B
- Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) Conservative Review (conservativereview.com) Liberty Score™ 66% Voting Record; D
Before the bill passed, lawmakers voted down several amendments, including one proposed by Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), Conservative Review (conservativereview.com) Liberty Score™ 56% Voting Record; F, that aimed to prevent currency manipulation by trade partners. Obama had vowed to veto the bill if that amendment was included.
The legislation will now move to the House, where a close vote is expected. Many conservatives oppose the measure. But for his part, House Speaker, Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), Conservative Review (conservativereview.com) Liberty Score™ 40% Voting Record; F, vows to do what he can to pass it. In a news release, he wrote:
With trade promotion authority, we’ll be able to hold President Obama accountable so America’s workers can get the best agreements. Without it, our workers will fall further behind as China writes the rules of the global economy. This is a no-brainer.
The House will take up this measure, and Republicans will do our part, but ultimately success will require Democrats putting politics aside and doing what’s best for the country. Let’s seize this opportunity to open new doors for the things Americans make and the people who make them.
If it passes both Houses, TPA would give President Obama, and the next president, fast-track trade authority for the next six years. This means that Congress would only get an up-or-down vote on trade negotiations made by the president and wouldn’t be permitted to make any amendments or modifications.
Congress will be in recess until June.
Matt Drudge Unleashes Against GOP in Rare Twitter Tirade: ‘It’s the Night of the Republican Suicide’
Internet-media mogul Matt Drudge heavily skewered Republican leadership on Twitter Friday night, after the GOP-led Senate approved enhanced trade negotiating authority for President Barack Obama. “Twisted DC: Electing Republicans is guarantee of MORE powers for Obama… of course none of them read ‘secret’ bill!” Drudge tweeted.
The Drudge Report founder then set his sights on Speaker of the House John Boehner who expressed support for the trade bill after the Senate’s passage. Calling it “the Night of the Republican Suicide,” Drudge said if the GOP loses in 2016 it can be “traced to tonight’s trade deception.”
The Senate voted 62-37 Friday to endorse Obama’s request for “fast track” negotiating authority. It would let him present trade agreements that Congress can ratify or reject, but not change. Obama says fast track would improve chances for a long-negotiated trade deal with 11 other Pacific Rim nations. Labor unions and many liberals oppose the bill. They say free-trade deals send U.S. jobs overseas.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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