“No we’re voting on a procedure,” Ryan said. “How does Congress consider trade agreements? Then in the fall, probably in the fall, we’ll consider a trade agreement—which hasn’t been completed yet. That’s why we don’t know what’s in it because it doesn’t exist yet.”
What part of this process do people criticizing Ryan not understand? Or is everyone criticizing just against free trade with other nations?
Repeating Ryan, this is not a vote on a negotiated trade agreement. This is a vote establishing how an up or down vote on the trade agreement that is finally negotiated between several nations will be handled in the U.S.
The final result agreed to between participating nations will be published for all to read, and lodge objection to, before it is voted on by a GOP-controlled Congress. If the final agreement is as bad as people are implying, Congress obviously won’t ratify it.
But again, if you’re just against free trade on principle, why not just say that and object on that basis, instead of objecting to provisions that aren’t before Congress for a vote. Those provisions, if they end up in the final, negotiated, agreement, will get plenty of discussion when the time comes but, as Ryan states, Congress in this authorization bill is trying to prohibit certain items from even being negotiated, i.e., climate change provisions and immigration provisions.
I don’t get the outrage, unless it’s just anti-free-trade, in which case just say so.
If the final agreement is as bad as people are implying, Congress obviously won’t ratify it.
You obviously have a lot more confidence in Congress than most. You are among less than 10% .
“No we’re voting on a procedure,” Ryan said.
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The Republican controlled senate also voted on a procedure concerning the Iran nuclear deal and how did that work out? The senate agreed to REVIEW the deal and approve or disapprove it within the somehow magical timeframe of 30 days. Of course, this “deal” is really a treaty in disguise and should have been made subject to the constitutionally prescribed approval process obtained by a two-thirds majority vote. Its no wonder that people have no trust or confidence in congress. Poll after poll shows that.
I disagree. I think the outrage is warranted. This process they are voting on is to lower the bar on passing this secret trade agreement. Why? What is in this trade agreement, which deserves the bar to be lowered? Why shouldn’t it go through the normal process? Perhaps this is a completely legitimate trade deal, and all U.S. citizens will benefit, but keeping it secret leads me to believe it is not. I have yet to hear a compelling argument as to why this needs to be kept from the public.
They are attempting to circumvent their Constitutional Duty.
Treaties are to be approved by a 2/3 majority. If they pass this “procedure” they hand over the right to object, add amendments and allow it to pass on a 51 vote Majority in the Senate.
If they want to change the rules do it the Constitutionally prescribed way. Amend the Constitution! They won’t because they know it would never get thru the states.
Weak, cowardly way of stifling the Voice of the people they are supposed to represent.
Jeez, put down the Koolaid. The problem here is it is being done in SECRET!!
If it’s so great then why hide it? This is going to be the same crap sandwich that was foisted on us with O’care.
If it is nothing but a skeleton format — why the secrecy and lack of open debate?
And no one in their right mind would give this President any authority!
We don’t trust our government.
They are liars.
We don’t wants secret bills passed so we can find out what’s in them.
Frankly, I don’t want any of these people representing me or doing anything at all with anyone.
They no longer have my consent.
They are effectively amending the Constitution, by changing the number of votes to enact a treaty, in case you haven't noticed.