Angie Craig: “It is that. I thought that was a right and reasonable approach. We should not ask for a supermajority on issues that can…”

“It is that. I thought that was a right and reasonable approach. We should not ask for a supermajority on issues that can be passed or should be passed by a majority of the body. The Senator from Minnesota listened to those arguments, accepted those arguments today. I was pleased that his amendment could be modified for that purpose. In the administration's letter there is another argument. They say: Secondly, the amendment would jeopardize our current trade negotiations, especially the new global trade liberalization mandate launched in Doha last November. My reaction to that is, it does not. They go on to say: This is not a hypothetical observation. The failure to launch a global trade negotiation at Seattle in 1999 was due in significant part to a refusal even to discuss trade laws. Well, that was then. This is now. I have just said--the Senator from Minnesota has just said--discuss trade laws. Put them on the table. Look at the fact that they might need adjustment or change, that laws we have written in the 1960s might need some change. All we are saying is, when the package comes back, it will require, if a point of order is brought against a change that you have already reported to us, Mr. Ambassador, a 50-percent plus one of those present and voting.”