Fast Track' Dems mostly undecided on TPP
More than 10 months after the conclusion of talks on the TPP, most of the 28 Democrats in House and the 13 in the Senate who voted in favor of trade promotion authority still have not taken a public position on the landmark 12-nation agreement — but they say they’re working on it.
The good news for the administration is that only one of those 41 lawmakers is publicly opposed to the agreement. That’s Sen. Tim Kaine, who announced his opposition upon being selected by Hillary Clinton to be her running mate. The vast majority of the rest are undecided, and even some of those inclined to say “yes” to the deal say they need to see implementing legislation before taking a final position.
"Congressman [Ron] Kind supports the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” a spokeswoman for the leader of the New Democrat Coalition told Morning Trade. “He believes that for our workers, businesses, and farmers the United States must be at the table writing the rules of trade. He is reserving final judgment on the TPP implementing legislation until he has seen the final bill and confirms that it meets the high standards reflected in the agreement."
Rep. Derek Kilmer made a similar point. “Congressional Republicans are demanding further changes before agreeing to bring TPP up for a vote, so I want to see the final details of those negotiations before making a decision,” Kilmer said. Click here to see a summary table of survey results and here to view responses from congressional offices.
By: Doug Palmer
Source: Politico