House Republicans are considering moving Trade Promotion Authority as a stand alone bill, after failing to pass a key provision providing assistance to displaced workers last week, according to reports.
While House Democrats on Friday voted en mass against the Trade Adjustment Assistance portion of Obama’s trade effort, contributing to its dramatic defeat, the TPA eked by on a 219-211 vote. The way the votes were paired however, the TPA’s advancement was continent on the TAA’s passage.
House Republican leadership and the White House are, however, dead set on advancing TPA — which would grant the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade deals.
According to reports in the The Hill and Politico, House Republicans may bring up TPA without the TAA portion as early as this week.
The Hill reports that the effort would end up sending the issue back to the Senate, which initially passed the TAA and TPA together.
Tuesday, the House approved a rule that extends the amount of time the House may reconsider the TAA through July 30 — the motion passed 236-189.
Despite the lengthy amount of time available to the White House and House Republicans, the task of to coaxing more members to vote yes remains a tall order after it failed 302 – 126, hence the consideration to move the TPA alone.
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