Issue:  H.R. 2832 To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes [Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011].  Question:  On passage of the bill as amended [originally passed in House by voice vote (9-7-11)] (3/5 required).

Result:   Passed 70 to 27, 3 not voting. Became Public Law No: 112-40 (signed by the President 10-21-11).  GOP and Democrats scored.

Bill Summary:  Extends federal aid and retraining programs (trade adjustment assistance [TAA]) for workers whose jobs move overseas because of so-called free trade agreements.

Analysis:  This measure continues an unconstitutional function of the federal government and uses the aid stick to subject states to federal regulations over state matters.

Moreover, recent free trade agreements are misleadingly named.   They do not promote free trade, but heavily regulated trade, supervised by international and regional organizations (such as the WTO and the NAFTA tribunals) — an unconstitutional delegation of authority.

We have assigned (good vote) to the Nays and (bad vote) to the Yeas. (P = voted present; ? = not voting; blank = not listed on roll call.)