The president of the AFL-CIO applauded California Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi for bucking President Barack Obama and putting the brakes on a bill that would fast-track trade deals.
Richard Trumka was among 64 union honchos
who signed a letter in March opposing the fast-track Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill.
And after a vote on the bill was scuttled by Democrats Friday, Trumka hailed Pelosi for sticking up for workers – and going against the commander-in-chief,
Breitbart News reports.
She "has always fought for working families and today her leadership on the trade package vote was instrumental in the House voting against another bad trade deal," Trumka said, Breitbart reports.
Despite a rare visit by the president to the Democratic caucus Friday morning, Pelosi took to the floor of the House to declare she'd oppose the Trade Adjustment Assistance bill to "slow down the fast-track" TPA measure.
"The facts are these: If TAA fails, the fast-track bill is stopped,” she said, Breitbart reports.
"For these and other reasons I will be voting today to slow down the fast-track to get a better deal for the American people. Bigger paychecks, better infrastructure, help the American people fulfill the American Dream."
Pelosi's speech had the desired effect: Democrats helped scrap the TAA.
"She stood up against corporate interests and as always put first the people who are too often left out of trade agreement discussions," Trumka said, Breitbart said.
"I applaud Rep. Pelosi’s bravery and leadership on this and look forward to working with her on good trade bills."
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