Two Republican Senators Oppose Trump's Trade Pick, Cite Nafta Concerns
- McCain, Sasse say they’ll vote against Lighthizer nomination
- Pence vote would break tie if no other GOP senators jump ship
Trump's Trade Pick Faces GOP Opposition
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Republican senators John McCain and Ben Sasse said they plan to vote against President Donald Trump’s pick for trade secretary, citing concerns about the nominee’s protectionist rhetoric and the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Opposition from just one more Republican senator and all Democrats would be enough to block the confirmation of Robert Lighthizer as the top trade negotiator for the U.S., even if Vice President Mike Pence casts a vote in his favor. McCain and Sasse said in a letter they aren’t convinced the 69-year-old veteran lawyer understands the “positive economic benefits” of Nafta.