(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) A coalition of Democratic lawmakers resoundingly rejected President Obama’s call to pass legislation that would make it easier for him to negotiate international trade deals, saying the administration’s trade agenda was dangerous to the economy and had to be stopped.
“The president said last night that previous trade deals had not lived up to the hype. That may be the understatement of the century,” Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., said at a press conference with other House Democrats. “We will fight this tooth and nail, and I believe we are going to win.”
The president urged lawmakers Tuesday to pass trade promotion authority, legislation that would limit Congress to an up-or-down vote on approving trade deals. Obama said he needs it to strengthen his hand in international negotiations. Otherwise the U.S. would cede the stage to others, he warned.
