WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional officials say the House will attempt as early as Thursday to revive trade legislation sought by President Barack Obama and blocked last week in a revolt by union-backed Democrats.
The officials say the vote would come on a stand-alone measure that would allow Congress to approve or reject future global trade deals, but not change them.
The Obama administration is seeking the authority as it works to wrap up a deal with 11 Pacific Rim nations.
A provision to renew a program of assistance for workers who lose their jobs because of imports would become part of a separate bill.
The officials stress that plans for a Thursday vote are not yet final.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting any formal announcement.
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But I thought the House already passed Trade Promotion Authority (Fast Track) but not Trade Adjustment Assistance (help for workers displaced by trade agreements) last week, in contrast to the Senate, which passed both in a single bill?
Looks like Obama is going to fulfill his dream and pass legislation with just himself and the Republicans – screwing the Democrats and American labor, and adding another hurdle for any labor or environmental laws in the future. This time he isn’t even asking for a fig leaf to hide behind as in “Yes I created massive unemployment with additional free trade, but I got Republicans to pay for a little retraining program with money stolen from Medicare”. Maybe we should start putting a ® after Obama’s name.
But I’m sure E J Lilly will be very grateful and generous after he leaves office.
The Senate passed TPA last month with TAA attached. The House passed TPA on Friday 219/211 with TAA attached(?) but then Dems voted down TAA in order to kill fast track (confused also).
Now, Boehner says he has votes, including 28 Dems who voted for it) to pass TPA w/o TAA attached. If so, Senate appears ready to then add TAA back in but specifically for a different trade bill for African countries with funding provided from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (whatever that is).
That’s all I can handle BUT Obama has stated he would veto it if TAA wasn’t attached. Article didn’t show quote though but it makes sense.
Thanks.