Senate Democrats united against legislation granting President Obama “fast-track authority” he said he needs to conclude the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that is widely supported by U.S. footwear, apparel and sporting goods companies. The TPA would help eliminate or reduce footwear tariffs from several nations, most importantly Vietnam. All but one Democrat opposed the bill.
The vote Tuesday would have begun debate on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), legislation which would “fast-track” the trade deal through the congressional approval process. Lawmakers would have to vote yes or no on the entire trade deal and would forego the ability to change individual provisions. If the president isn’t granted this authority, it will be far more difficult for him to make any progress on either TPP or the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
A Senate 60-vote supermajority was required to begin debate on renewing trade promotion authority. The vote to begin debate failed, 52-45. Fifty-one Republicans and a single Democrat, Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware, backed the authorization.
An Associated Press article on the proceedings is here.
Leading the fight against fast track are labor unions and liberal groups, which are crucial to many Democrats' elections.
Most Republican lawmakers support free-trade agreements.
