Sen. Isakson: ‘Fast Track’ Bill Vital For Promoting Trade
Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia, discusses current trade issues before Congress on “A Closer Look.”
It’s not often that President Barack Obama and Georgia’s two Republican U.S. senators agree on major issues, but they’re on the same side when it comes to a new international trade agreement.
Earlier this month, Johnny Isakson, Georgia’s senior senator, spent part of the weekly GOP broadcast address urging Congress to continue the Trade Promotion Authority, which is more than 30 years old.
The bill would give U.S. negotiators a “fast track” to finish talks on the big Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal involving 12 nations – including the U.S.
But the TPA legislation has been strongly opposed by Congressional Democrats as well as some Republicans – including presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.
In a 52-45 procedural vote on Tuesday, the Senate blocked debate on the bill because 60 votes were needed to move the measure forward. The bill can be brought up again at a later time.
Before the vote, Isakson discussed those trade matters on “A Closer Look” with hosts Rose Scott and Denis O’Hayer.
Isakson said he backs the TPA because it gives Congress the final say in whether to approve agreements negotiated by the White House.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to facilitate trade deals that boost Georgia businesses and the state economy.
“Trade is good for American business, it’s good for big business and it’s good for small business,” Isakson said.
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