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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsObama Sets up "War Room" to promote "Fast Track"--Seeking to Woo Fellow Democrats on Trade Deals
Obama seeks to woo fellow Democrats on trade deals
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/obama-seeks-to-woo-fellow-democrats-on-trade-deals-2015-01-22
President Barack Obamas push for a new round of trade deals looks set to hinge on a small swing contingent of House Democratic lawmakers, testing the presidents ability to woo wary members of his own party.
To do that, the White House has deployed cabinet secretaries and set up a war room to promote fast-track trade legislation on Capitol Hill. Obama asked for legislation to ease passage of trade deals in Tuesdays State of the Union address, portraying such a move as good for jobs and a counter to Chinas influence in the Pacific.
The White House hopes to move ahead on a trade deal under negotiation with Japan and other Pacific nations, as well as a deal officials are eying with the European Union.
Most Republicans in Congress, backed by the business community, support the Pacific deal and fast-track legislation. But the math on the Republican side in the House is unpredictable, as some conservative Republicans are leery of granting Obama leeway to conclude overseas deals that wouldnt be subject to procedural delays or amendments in Congress.
Lawmakers and lobbyists say it is hard to know how many House Republicans would vote against fast track, an uncertainty that puts more pressure on the administration to win over as many Democrats as possible.
Many in Obamas party, however, worry that fast track will pave the way for passage of the Pacific deal, and they question the administrations assurances that that agreement will promote strong labor and environmental rules in Vietnam and other countries involved.
An expanded version of this story is available at WSJ.com.
on point
(2,506 posts)Maybe you will get support. Otherwise this POS needs to go down, no question
el_bryanto
(11,804 posts)But without the text there's no way to know, and history isn't on Obama's side.
Bryant
Autumn
(45,120 posts)"Trust but verify" actually does fit this situation.
pa28
(6,145 posts)I guess he can use the bully pulpit when is suits his goals.