[CTC] Levin ‘out to defeat’ fast track bill

[Arthur Stamoulis]

POLITICO: Levin ‘out to defeat’ fast track bill
 
4/17/15 1:09 PM EDT
The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee said he is “out to defeat” the fast track trade promotion authority bill introduced Thursday.

“The overwhelming feeling among Democrats is [they are] opposed to fast tracking TPP,” Michigan Democrat Sander Levin said at a press briefing today.

The fast track bill would expedite passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-country trade deal the administration is trying to close in the coming weeks.

Levin repeated his argument that passing fast track gives up congressional leverage to demand meaningful changes to the outstanding provisions of the trade deal. Many of the bill’s negotiating objectives, including one meant to address currency manipulation, are meaningless and obsolete, he said.

“The administration missed an opportunity that could have led to bipartisan support,” he said, estimating only a “small” number of his own caucus members would support the bill.

Levin said he was in discussion with House Democratic leadership about his position  but didn’t respond directly when asked if he was pressing them to oppose the bill. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer indicated they were still undecided.

“They know my view,” he said.

Levin said he will try to strengthen legislation renewing the Trade Adjustment Assistance program by looking at the funding levels and other provisions. A separate bill renewing the program, which provides job retraining benefits to workers displaced by trade, was also introduced Thursday in the Senate and is expected to be introduced today in the House.

Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden has vowed to move TAA simultaneously with the fast track bill. Levin said TAA, which many Republicans oppose, shouldn’t be “bait” for gaining Democratic support for fast track but passed on its own merits.

— Adam Behsudi
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