Boehner Pushing TPA – Despite the Pitfalls

Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) was passed by the U.S. Senate on May 22nd. Now, the more conservative House of Representatives is pushing back and Leader Boehner wants them to bend.

Boehner acknowledged some in his party are opposing the fast-track legislation, known as Trade Promotion Authority or TPA, simply because they don’t trust Obama.

But the Speaker added: “This is not about the president; frankly, it’s about the country. It’s why I’ve worked with the president on a number of trade agreements over the course of his tenure and my tenure as Speaker,” including deals with Panama and South Korea.

TPA allows the President to negotiate trade treaties without Congress being involved in the details. Only once the trade agreement is finalized is Congress given a yes or no, no amendment vote.

This time, TPA is being sought for the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement – basically, NAFTA for Asia. Anyone notice how awesome NAFTA has been for America’s manufacturing sector?

The World Trade Organization has already proven the negative aspects of the TPP that concerned dissenters most.

Boehner has failed to repeal Obamacare, reduce the debt, reduce regulations or much of anything else expected of a conservative Leader of the House. Conservative confidence in Rep. Boehner is at all time lows and this isn’t going to help him – at all.