Don Nickles: “I believe there are still 70-some votes. The Senate historically has pretty much favored free trade. I think we would be…”

“I believe there are still 70-some votes. The Senate historically has pretty much favored free trade. I think we would be happy to assist the majority leader to pass all three. We may have some differences, particularly on trade adjustment assistance. Maybe we will have to have a few amendments on each side. We will help you get a time agreement where we can pass all three bills by the Memorial Day recess. Maybe by separating the three bills we can accommodate the Andean countries that are in desperate shape. It would be a shame if we imposed tariffs on those poor countries, a tariff increase that they have not had for 10 years, if we do not get our work done on that bill by next week, by the 15th or 16th. Likewise, it would be a real mistake if this Senate doesn't pass trade promotion and trade adjustment assistance, however this Senate defines it.”