This afternoon, the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) was resoundingly defeated by a bipartisan vote of 126 to 302. This vote has been recommitted and may be brought to the floor again early next week. If TAA is voted down again, the Trade Promotional Authority (TPA) will be defeated along with it.
Congressman Russell had this comment about today’s procedure:
“I was encouraged to see TAA defeated in such a thorough fashion, and I hope each member has the resolve to stick with their vote after this weekend. As goes TAA, so goes TPA. Throughout this debate, there were many factors that went in to this discussion, one of which greatly affects our national security. I had urged my colleagues to take the higher road when it came to our rhetoric towards China in respects to trade in the Pacific. China is not our enemy, and if we reach out to them they could be a friend. I also warned against trusting the President when it came to foreign diplomatic negotiations. There were many members who supported TPA, but I hope they can understand that this vote does not mean we are anti-trade, we just see a different road to the same destination. I am proud of my colleagues who stood up against the TPA at this time. Due to the current administration's consistent foreign policy failures, I do not believe this authority should be granted. My hope is that we still have a slim chance to deny it.”
