Labor unions are going all out to block a bill allowing the President to “fast track” trade deals through Congress.
One indication was the celebration Monday by the AFL-CIO New York City Central Labor Council of Rep. Joe Crowley’s far from shocking statement opposing the authority, which lets the president force trade bills, like a pending Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal, to receive up or down votes in both congressional chambers.
Crowley, a top member of the tax-writing Way and Means Committee and a vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, was one of just two New York City members who had not already announced opposition to fast track as Obama’s push for the power stalls in the House. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens) is left the lone holdout.
“I have had concerns about aspects of Trade Promotion Authority legislation in the past,” the Queens Democrat said in a statement distributed by the Labor Council. “I respect the efforts to improve TPA and believe the changes being sought are important, but I still have concerns and will oppose [fast track authority legislation proposed by House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) ] if it comes before the House for a vote.”
Crowley’s position is no great surprise.
He “has never voted for fast track” and looks at all trade bills on an individual basis, an aide said.
dfriedman@nydailynews.com
@dfriedman33
