GOP blocks Warren trade bill demanding transparency
Source: The Hill
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) blocked legislation from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on Thursday that could have complicated ongoing trade talks by demanding public disclosure of deals before they get fast-track status.
Warren and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) pushed a measure that would have let the public see the details of a trade deal before lawmakers decide whether or not to designate it as fast-track, which allows for congressional approval by a simple majority vote and prohibits lawmakers from offering amendments.
But Hatch objected to her request, blocking Warren's bill from passing. The trade promotion authority (TPA) legislation currently being considered by the Senate would require the president to have to post the details of any trade deal for 60 days before signing it.
Unlike Warren's bill, though, the current trade legislation automatically grants fast-track status to agreements.
The Utah Republican said that if senators are concerned about the level of transparency on trade agreements, they should support the current legislation.
But Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) dismissed Hatch's argument, saying that concerns over transparency are "not a partisan issue."
"I respect my president. I've talked to him and I know in his heart he's doing what he thinks is right, but he says this isn't secret and everyone's got access to it," Boxer said. "This is not an open process."
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/242889-gop-blocks-warren-trade-bill-demanding-transparency
Baitball Blogger
(46,709 posts)Obama is being disingenuous.
FlatBaroque
(3,160 posts)reddread
(6,896 posts)gotta stick together.
I suppose there are cleaning agents that might help.
These guys have NO shame or sense of
duty to the American people.
TimeToEvolve
(303 posts)Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)I wonder if the dems will have trouble recruiting decent candidates, since the candidates know they're going to be betrayed
cui bono
(19,926 posts)Time to get REAL Dems in office and kick out all the Cons and Third Way/centrist/corporate Dems. A few 'social justice' bones is NOT enough.
calimary
(81,267 posts)So that "of, by, and for THE PEOPLE" remains intact!
LiberalArkie
(15,715 posts)"The People" back then were not the poor or the people in the middle.
BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)with very little pushback too. Republicans are damn good at getting their agenda through. Democrats on the other hand try not to appear too angry or keep their powder dry. It is the public that is making the most strides for instance marriage equality.
NorthCarolina
(11,197 posts)neverforget
(9,436 posts)cascadiance
(19,537 posts)YOHABLO
(7,358 posts)I would love to shake Elizabeth Warren's hand. Where's Hillary on this trade crap. Huh? Is she going to stick her finger in the air and see which way the wind is blowing?