North American Free Trade Agreement and Fast Track

fast track authority: The measure now heads to the president desk for signature. * ‘Fast track’ clears key procedural vote* The fast track measure ensures Congress’ right to vote on a massive trade accord, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, between the U.S. and 11 other nations, but blocks legislators from adding amendments that might slow down the measure progress, according to MSNBC. The resulting trade pact would be the largest since the North American Free Trade Agreement. The vote was 60-38. Support for granting the president fast track authority created an unlikely alliance between the White House, Senate Republicans and even some Hollywood executives eager to strengthen copyright protections. Earlier this month, in a move that was a decided blow to the president trade agenda, Democratic lawmakers in the House helped undermine legislation aimed at shoring up the administration ability to negotiate a sweeping multinational trade pact. The months-long showdown over trade was also the source of acrimonious debate as Democrats and the labor unions, which typically support the party, voiced concerns that the trade deal will cost American jobs and result in lowered middle class wages. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.