Pelosi Says House GOP May Need to Muster 200 Votes to Pass TPA
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, may need to deliver 200 Republican votes in order to pass Trade Promotion Authority, said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in a June 4 press conference. Pelosi rejected suggestions that she is responsible for bringing some votes to the table in order to assist Democratic President Barack Obama. Just under 20 Democrats have so far declared support for TPA (see 1505290011).
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The onus rests squarely on Boehner, said Pelosi. “It’s the speaker’s responsibility; that’s where the support exists,” she said, referring to the Republican caucus. “I have confidence in [Boehner]. I think he can deliver 200 members. But it's not my responsibility.” A total of 218 votes are needed to pass any legislation, and Republicans hold roughly 245 seats in the House.
Pelosi has stayed on the fence on TPA, but has indicated over recent months she is willing to consider supporting the measure. She opposed the previous iteration of TPA, introduced in the last Congress (see 14021307). Pelosi declined to comment on the timeline for trade votes. House Republican leadership has said it aims to move on trade legislation this month (see 1506010036). Many trade experts say the leadership is taking the necessary time to ensure the votes are there for TPA passage (see 1505310002). Pelosi rejected the Senate pay-for mechanism for Trade Adjustment Assistance.
House Democrats are still “drilling down” the issues of concern with other countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, said Pelosi. Pelosi indicated recently she is also open to exploring a path to “yes” on TPP (see 1504040004). On June 3, she said the agreement must raise wages in TPP countries in order to benefit U.S. workers. House Ways and Means ranking member Sandy Levin, D-Mich., the top Democrat for trade policy in the chamber, has rejected TPA and focused primarily on TPP negotiations (see 1506020010).