Democrat House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer blasted Rep. Alan Grayson (D., Fla.) – who is gearing-up for a U.S. Senate campaign—after he criticized a “group of fellow Democrats who are leaning in favor of supporting legislation to expedite the passage of trade deals through Congress.” The Wall Street Journal,
The campaign of Rep. Alan Grayson (D., Fla.) – a potential candidate for a U.S. Senate seat – on Monday circulated a release urging voters to call 18 House Democrats who have either come out in favor of or are said to be leaning toward supporting the fast-track trade bill. The release identified each of the pro-trade Democrats by name and provided their office phone numbers, saying “now would be a good time” to “petition your government to redress your grievances.”
“I think Mr. Grayson’s actions are not helpful and I don’t think fair to other members,” Mr. Hoyer told reporters on Tuesday, saying that Democrats “ought to refrain from directing pressure at their colleagues.”
The trade legislation, known as fast-track or Trade Promotion Authority, would make it easier for Congress to approve international trade pacts. Under the fast-track legislation, Congress couldn’t filibuster or amend the trade deals, which would be subject to a simple majority vote. Democrats are largely opposed, but House Republican leaders have said that some Democratic support will be necessary to pass the legislation. The measure is expected to come up for a vote in the House later this month.
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