Alabama congressmen split over vote to give Obama 'fast track' trade authority

President Barack Obama delivers a speech at Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama (Photo: Yellowhammer)

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House on Thursday approved Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), a measure that would allow President Obama to “fast-track” trade agreements, including the upcoming Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), after several rounds of back and forth over the last few weeks.

With a final vote of 218-206 the House sends the legislation back to the Senate for approval before it heads to Obama’s desk.

The controversial Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program was not included in the bill passed Thursday, but Republican leaders plan to push for it in a separate bill. TAA funnels federal taxpayer dollars to American workers who lose their jobs because of the trade agreements TPA would make possible.

Conservative grass-roots group Heritage Action, the political arm of the Heritage Foundation, called the move an “embarrassing gimmick” that “reveals the intellectual bankruptcy of Republican leadership.”

“Instead of using last week’s embarrassment to reevaluate the policy they opted for a new procedural gimmick to get the same nonsense passed,” said Heritage Action CEO Michael Needham. “Republicans weren’t given majorities so they could cede control to Democrats. They need to listen to the people, stop passing the same policies that are failing our country, and embrace an agenda built on the principle of opportunity for all and favoritism to none.”

Of Alabama’s Congressional delegation, three members voted for the measure, and three against, Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL1) did not vote as he was still out of the country supporting Alabama’s economic development efforts at the Paris Air Show. Byrne did, however, support TPA the first time the House brought it up for a vote last week.

Here is how Alabama’s Representatives voted, and their comments on the legislation (These will be updated as Yellowhammer continues to receive them).

In favor:

Martha Roby (R-AL2) “There’s no question that trade supports jobs in Alabama, and it’s our responsibility to make sure trade agreements we enter into benefit American workers and serve our nation’s strategic global interests. That’s why this Trade Promotion bill is important. It puts Congress in a much better position to ratify good multi-lateral trade agreements and to stop bad ones.”

Mike Rogers (R-AL3)

Terri Sewell (D-AL7) “I continue to believe that President Obama should be given the same trade promotion authority as past Presidents. I trust that President Obama will do right by the American people, and the people of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. President Obama has our backs, and we should have his.”

Against:
Robert Aderholt (R-AL4) “While there was another vote on Trade Promotion Authority today, my vote did not change. As I said after last week’s vote, I am for American jobs and I am leery of any legislation that would ultimately lead to exporting those jobs overseas.”

Mo Brooks (R-AL5)

Gary Palmer (R-AL6) “I don’t have faith that the safeguards put in place by the TPA will keep the Administration in check any more than they have followed the Constitution.”