AP: 5 things to know about trade as Senate debate begins (5-12-15)

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150511/us--congress-trade-5_things-4daa456f46.html

May 11, 3:18 AM (ET)

By CHARLES BABINGTON

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's bid for new trade agreements faces big tests in Congress this week, mostly from his fellow Democrats.

Pro-trade senators must produce 60 votes Tuesday to begin debate on "fast track" authority that Obama seeks. It would let him present Congress with proposed trade agreements that lawmakers can ratify or reject, but not amend.

If Obama receives fast track authority, which previous presidents have enjoyed, he's expected to ask Congress to approve a 12-nation trade pact called the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Participants include Japan, Vietnam, Canada and Mexico. Other trade proposals could follow.

Here are five things to know about the trade debate:
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DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION

FULL story at link.



FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2014 file photo, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, followed by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., walks from the Senate subway on Capitol Hill in Washington. President Barack Obama{2019}s bid for new trade agreements faces big tests in Congress in May 2015, mostly from his fellow Democrats. Even if pro-trade senators muster 60 votes Tuesday to begin debate on fast track, senators can offer amendments that could prove troublesome. Portman is pushing a "currency manipulation" provision that administration officials consider more problematic than the one in the customs bill. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

[marym625]

1. K&R!

How is it that people here don't worry about the fast track or the TPP when so many Republicans want it? That alone should set off red flags

[B Calm]

2. You'd think they would have learned after NAFTA was passed. Republicans vote yes then

sit back and point their finger.

[marym625]

3. Some people have such blind love for certain people in politics

That they can't see reality. It's much like the religious love for their god. Much like the people who believe the crap spewed by fox. It's exactly what the term "bot" came from

I know people don't like that, take great offense at it, but I don't know what else it can be. Especially when they don't even question it and excuse the bullshit with talking points.

SMH

[djean111]

4. There seems to be a good amount of determined corporate shilling here. And lots of people against.

Personally, I think that the TPP is bad enough that there are protests in all the other countries, not just us, and I do recognize that I really cannot do much about it. But I am dead serious that any Dem who votes for Fast Track or the TPP itself will never get another vote from me. Has to be a line drawn somewhere. If a Dem joins with the GOP and corporations on this - not a Dem.

[marym625]

5. I'm with you there!