Why the silence on the Trade Promotion Authority(fast track) Bill?
Because the Republicans haven't yet corralled the votes they need to pass it and they won't risk scheduling a vote until they know they have them. Boehner has said that he needs about 50 democratic votes. In the Senate, McConnell has an easier job.
How long can democrats resist the epic arm twisting consisting of cajoling and threats? Who knows? How long can they resist the threats of corporations withholding campaign donations and the threats about funding opponents?
We know how these things usually go. The threats and promises escalate and continue until the requisite number of reps knuckle under. The wild card here might be republicans who are peeling off.
It's been a week or so since the legislation passed committees in the House and Senate. The President is impatient to have the TPA pass. It's widely acknowledged that if and when it does, the TPP will pass- even if it really sucks.
The President is eager to end this fight and get it passed. He says this is because it will be so great for working people, will expand labor, environmental and human rights and rein in corporations. That must be why corporations and republicans are so on board with it. Corporations always support things that promote labor, environmental and human rights.