“Fast Track” Legislation Slips into Slow Lane

With only a few days left in session, senior US law makers are unlikely to present a bill on the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to Congress before year’s end. Although last week brought reports of near-agreement on a draft text to put forward, no related hearings are scheduled for the coming days.

The legislation, known commonly as “fast track,” would grant the US executive branch the authority to send a negotiated trade agreement to Congress for a straight up-or-down vote - eliminating the possibility of filibustering or amendments by lawmakers.

Opposition last month from 173 House lawmakers formally declaring resistance to the legislation has made for an uncertain Hill journey for TPA. The White House has also weighed in, criticising Congress for a lack of momentum in bringing “fast track” up for a vote.

The bill had originally been slated for passage by the end of the year, in order to tie in with a potential finish line for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement.