Franken and Klobuchar both voted no today

[dflprincess]

http://www.startribune.com/senate-reverses-course-and-allows-fast-track-trade-debate/303797731/

“I believe the fast track authority legislation advanced in the Senate today falls far short of ensuring that trade agreements will truly benefit Minnesota workers, communities, and businesses,” Franken said in a statement after the vote. “At home, we’ve seen what happens when we don’t have — and just as importantly, can’t — enforce strong trade protections: countries like China unfairly dump their goods into our country, and as a result, 1,000 Minnesotan jobs are on the chopping block.”

A Klobuchar spokeswoman said she “remains concerned that the bill doesn’t go far enough to protect American workers. She is working on several amendments to strengthen the final legislation, which currently lacks many important provisions, including preventing the illegal dumping of foreign steel that has had a major impact on workers on the Iron Range, or addressing currency manipulation.”...

The White House praised the Senate’s actions Thursday, saying Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) would enable the U.S. to expand economic opportunities.

Cargill, General Mills, Medtronic, Target and 3M are among Minnesota’s major corporate citizens pushing the current free trade agreements.

“We are glad the Senate was able to overcome some initial obstacles and to move Trade Promotion Authority forward,” Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Cargill’s vice president of corporate affairs, said in a statement. “The Senate needs to continue to move forward with TPA. Otherwise they risk locking the U.S. out of some of the fastest-growing regions in the world.”

I never trust Klobuchar and wonder if her vote today was only because they didn't need her to vote yes - but at least she's on the correct side for now.

[BainsBane]

1. When I called Klobuchar's office yesterday

The person who answered the phone said she didn't know how Klobuchar would vote on Fast Track. It appears her constituents convinced her to vote no.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. That's a pleasant surprise!

Fast track must be really unpopular if even Amy was motivated to vote "no."

[Eric J in MN]

3. I wish their opposition wasn't so conditional.

It's always a bad idea to give presidents "Fast Track" for the next six years.

In this case, it means no filibustering trade deals of a President Jeb Bush if he gets elected.

[glinda]

4. It appears that is how she rolls imho. Plus still shows she supports it.