Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On His Vote Against Cloture On The Fast-Track Trade Promotion Authority

[The Senate Tuesday voted to advance fast-track trade promotion authority by a vote of 60-37.  A final vote on the measure is expected Wednesday.  Leahy opposed the procedural vote, and will oppose final passage.  He cast the same vote on a similar measure last month.]

“Congress has a role to play in ensuring that free trade is fair trade.  Fast-track authority abandons this role, giving carte blanche to the Executive Branch to negotiate trade agreements without any assurances of protections for workers and our economy.  Congress should not be a rubber stamp for these trade agreements, without any opportunity to advise before it consents.”

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