With 'Brave Tactic,' Sanders Tries to Slam Brakes on Fast Track

[kentuck]

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/04/22/brave-tactic-sanders-tries-slam-brakes-fast-track

<snip>
In what is being heralded as a "brave tactic," Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Wednesday temporarily blocked lawmakers from rushing through legislation that would allow the Obama administration to "Fast Track" the controversial and highly secretive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.

Sanders forcibly delayed the Senate Finance Committee from considering Fast Track legislation by using a rarely invoked senate scheduling rule, effectively preventing the panel from looking at the trade bill until at least 4:00 PM. The committee was widely expected to endorse the legislation.

<snip>
Huffington Post reporter Zach Carter explained Wednesday that the delay, nonetheless, is significant "because Senate Democrats, including Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), have prepared dozens of amendments to the fast-track bill, which will take several hours to address in committee. If the panel can't finish its work Wednesday, or just decides to call it a day early and resume its business tomorrow, Sanders can raise the same objection again, potentially delaying the process for several days."

Sanders said he took this step over concerns that the deal, despite its vast impact, is being rushed through Congress without public debate, or even knowledge of its contents.

....more at link

[Autumn]

1. That's Bernie

I'm so glad he's looking out for us.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

2. Yep...Democrats are capable of supporting our President and saying he is wrong

from time to time, cons have NEVER done that.

[Zorra]

3. We need a brave person just like Bernie to be our President. nt

[G_j]

4. +1000

[libdem4life]

5. What we have is a split in the Party and the Progresives/iberals are picking up steam.

I certainly don't encourage any Tea Party type schism, but it's time we pull this party back to the Left. Bernie and Elizabeth are getting great press...we need them and more...Sherrod Brown did a good job, too.

[Phlem]

6. Just decided last week that I'm with Bernie.

Or O'Malley. Nice to have choices