MO BROOKS VOTES NO

Today, Congressman Brooks joined a majority of the Alabama Congressional delegation (Congressmen Gary Palmer & Robert Aderholt, and Senators Jeff Sessions & Richard Shelby) in voting against the so-called Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation.  TPA greases the skids for trade agreements by violating the “two thirds of the Senate” treaty ratification requirement of Article 2, Section 2 of the United States Constitution and replacing it with a mere 51% vote of the House and Senate requirement.  The TPA passed the House today on a 219 to 211 vote.

Brooks added, “America’s founding fathers required a two thirds majority to ratify treaties rather than a mere 51% majority because treaties, by their very nature, cede some of America’s sovereignty to other countries.  Ceding sovereignty is a matter of great significance that should not be easily or lightly done.  I voted against the Trade Promotion Authority, in large part, because I believe it unwise to undermine the Constitution that has served America so long and so well and because I believe America’s founding fathers were right.  It is unwise to cede American sovereignty to other countries by a mere 51% majority vote of Congress.  While I take no pleasure in saying it, a 51% majority vote of the Senate and House is too easily ‘bought’ by special interests who put themselves first and America second.  If a trade agreement cannot muster a two thirds vote in the United States Senate, then it is not good enough for America to offset the ensuing loss of American sovereignty.”

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