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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSenate Just Voted to Advance Motion to Start Trade Debate--"The Hill"
The Senate voted Thursday to advance a motion to begin debate on the core of President Obamas trade agenda, putting it back on track after a week of deadlock.
The 63-32v vote was still taking place when this story was published, but senators had crossed the 60-vote threshold to proceed to a package that would empower Obama to negotiate future trade deals with minimal interference from Congress and assist U.S. workers displaced by foreign competition.
Todays vote moves us closer to achieving a positive outcome for the people we represent, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). And I look forward to continued positive engagement from both the president and members of both parties as we move forward on these bills.
May 14, 2015, 02:18 pm
Senate votes to start trade debate
By Alexander Bolton and Jordain Carney
The chamber is expected to vote on amendments to the package Tuesday, a process that could extend into June depending on how many proposals Democrats want to consider on the floor.
McConnell wants to pass it before Memorial Day so its not left twisting in the wind during a one-week recess at the end of the month.
His goal is to pass it with a large bipartisan majority to give it maximum political momentum heading to the House, where the opponents of free trade hold more influence.
Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (Texas) told reporters Thursday he also wants to send the trade package to the House before the end of the month.
But Democrats say theres not enough time.
To get this bill done next week he needs to file cloture on Tuesday, said a Senate Democratic leadership aide.
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) voiced skepticism over McConnells ambitious timeline.
I don't know, he told reporters. Many of our members have amendments.
He added that Democrats planned to offer amendments on currency, enforcement and child labor.
If McConnell moves to cut off debate on Tuesday, it would limit votes on amendments and could spark an angry backlash from Democrats.
Democrats blocked McConnells first attempt to proceed to the trade package on Tuesday because it did not include a customs and enforcement measure addressing currency manipulation nor a package of trade preferences for Africa.p.b[
The Senate passed the customs and Africa trade pieces shortly after noon Thursday as stand-alone bills.
A Little More at:
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/242093-senate-votes-to-start-trade-debate
uppityperson
(115,677 posts)Thank you.
Cali_Democrat
(30,439 posts)KoKo
(84,711 posts)That's my read of it. It sounds to me like there is some kind of political game afoot. Which figures given many of us long timers experience with serious, contentious issues and how the Senate and House handle them to keep their deals from the public (until the vote is all over) seems to be happening here.
Hopefully there will be other news that will clarify for us Dems what is really going on from those who are involved on the ground. "The Hill" was the first to come out with the report that I found as the news just broke.
uppityperson
(115,677 posts)hedda_foil
(16,371 posts)And under fast track rules, all it will take to pass any trade bill for the next six years is 50% + 1 votes in each house.
uppityperson
(115,677 posts)I have been dealing with a serious family thing the last few weeks, have not been following this so I appreciate your taking time here.
Cali_Democrat
(30,439 posts)I see nothing wrong with debating a bill.
Debate is a good thing.
Autumn
(44,986 posts)Tierra_y_Libertad
(50,414 posts)octoberlib
(14,971 posts)Tom Carper (Del), and Sens. Michael Bennet (Colo.), Maria Cantwell (Wash.), Ben Cardin (Md.), Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Patty Murray (Wash.), Bill Nelson (Fla.), Mark Warner (Va.) and Ron Wyden (Ore.).
The real fight is going to be in the House.
Action_Patrol
(845 posts)There is no reason for McConnell to offer an Amendment process.
I'll be blown away if he allows it.
LongTomH
(8,636 posts)So many of the responses were of the: "I'm giving up on the Democratic party, yesterday!' theme.
I don't intend to give up on anything.