As the White House braces for a Senate vote on Obama’s Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, key Democrats are revolting against support of the legislation in order to make more demands of the Obama administration.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest repeatedly described the chaos surrounding the agreement as a “procedural snafu” as it faced a vote in the Senate, insisting that it wasn’t an uncommon occurrence in the Senate.
“What we’re hopeful is that every member of the United States Senate can summon the spirit that was on display in the Senate Finance Committee,” he said.
Earnest praised Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Orrin Hatch, for supporting the trade deal, praising their bipartisan compromise.
“The Senate has a process for working through these procedural challenges, and we’re pleased to see Democrats and Republicans both indicating a willingness to work through these procedural challenges,” he said.
When asked by White House reporter Jon Karl about the meaning of the word ‘snafu,’” Earnest replied that the White House press briefing was “a family program.”
In spite of the difficulties, however, Earnest appeared optimistic that the bill would move forward.
“I would urge you to withhold judgement about the president’s persuasion ability, until we’ve had an opportunity to advance this legislation,” he said cryptically.