If you think yesterday's vote in the Senate on FTA was a defeat for President Obama, think again. Senator Ron Wyden explained the reason for Democrats blocking the bill. He told supporters that Republican leadership omitted key provisions that had been negotiated in the bill to protect American workers. The bipartisan bill had included enforcement provisions. But, McConnell would not allow them. So, Democrats held firm and refused to even debate this weakened bill. So, it seems that the headlines should read that Democrats defeated McConnell. Stay tuned. This isn't over yet.
Democrats have already proposed a way to bridge the divide. According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, "The president sat down with a group of Senate Democrats to discuss a path forward for the bill—a meeting that included Democratic senators who have voiced support for advancing the fast-track measure, also known as trade promotion authority, an administration official said."
http://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-democrats-block-debate-on-obamas-fast-track-bill-1431457100
This article explains the machinations that often go on behind the scenes. We need to investigate and not easily get duped by the headlines!
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