The Senate may have struck a deal that gets President Obama one step closer to securing fast track Trade Promotion Authority, however the administration still has a lot of work to do to cajole skeptical Democrats in the House. And they’ll have to start at the top.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Thursday compared TPA to a “get-out-of-jail-free” card that applies not just to President Obama and the Trans Pacific Partnership, but to the next president and whatever trade agenda she or he will propose.
“This fast track is for things unknown, and I would hope that there could be some addressing of the length of time and the open season that it gives for any trade agreement,” Pelosi told reporters on Thursday. As it stands, TPA would apply to all trade deals negotiated by the White House over the next three years, and it would give Congress the option to extend the mandate on three years on top of that, into the next presidential administration.
“You’re asking for fast-track,” Pelosi said, directing her comments to the White House, “Let’s see what you’re asking for fast-track for.”
The Minority Leader was non-committal when asked if the Senate compromise buoys the chances that reluctant House Democrats will go along with approving the TPP prerequisite.
Passage of the legislation, which is supported by most Republicans in the House, will still require some Democratic support. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) told The Sentinel last month that the White House is giving ground on oversight and transparency because it’s “losing votes” in the House on fast-track.
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) put the onus on House Democrats today, noting that when the Senate passes its trade bills, the House will “follow suit.”
“Republicans are going to do our part,” the Speaker told reporters during a briefing on Thursday. He added that “ultimately however, success is going to require the Democrats putting aside politics, and doing what’s best for our country.”
Pelosi countered that the looming vote will test the leadership of Speaker Boehner.
On Monday, TPP fast track legislation stalled out in the Senate in an embarrassing setback for the President. The White House has expended a lot of political capital on the free trade debate, and has even taken to leveling personal attacks at Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for her outspoken and influential opposition against sweeping trade agreements.
Senators, however, decided on Thursday to take another shot at advancing TPA following an arrangement between Senate Democrats, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and President Obama. Under the deal, a series of votes on trade-related matters important to Democrats like currency manipulation will be held before the Senate takes up TPA.
