On TPP, Obama needs GOP
Orange County [Calif.] Register: President Barack Obama has gotten into yet another political tussle with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. But this time it’s not with the party of Boehner and McConnell, but with his fellow Democrats.
Indeed, House Democrats are in open revolt over the administration’s negotiation of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free-trade agreement that would include the United States and 11 other nations, which, between them, represent 40 percent of the world’s output of goods and services.
Obama is asking lawmakers to grant him Trade Promotion Authority — also known as “fast track” — to submit trade agreements to Congress for up-or-down votes and without possibly deal-breaking amendments or filibusters.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE?
U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman met with House Democrats last week and pledged to make the full negotiating text of the proposed TPP more accessible. But it remains be seen if the gesture reverses the negative tide against the trade pact.
Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., pronounced Froman’s gesture “too little, too late.” Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said, “I believe we will defeat fast-track.”
With the distinct possibility that Obama may not be able to persuade his fellow Democrats to join him in support for the TPP treaty, he may have to swallow his pride and ask House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for help in winning passage.