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President Obama waves at the crowd during the annual Congressional Baseball Game at the National Parks Stadium.(Photo: Pool, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — President Obama makes a rare appearance on Capitol Hill on Friday to meet with House Democrats in a final push before a trio of trade votes that are a top priority to his administration.
A series of votes on trade adjustment assistance (TAA), trade promotion authority (TPA) and a customs enforcement bill were expected to be close in the face of near unanimous Democratic opposition.
Obama and top administration officials have worked closely with GOP leaders to advance TPA, known as fast-track trade authority, because it creates an expedited process to get trade bills through Congress. Obama is seeking the renewed authority to advance the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, a top foreign policy priority in the final years of his administration.
Obama's visit was unlikely to dramatically change the vote. "Now President Obama wants to talk?" tweeted Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., an opponent of the trade bills.
The House narrowly voted, 217-212, on Thursday to begin debate on the bills, which will likely pass or fail by similarly tight margins. GOP leaders were cautiously optimistic that a final push by Obama would help secure enough Democratic votes to pass it. About 20 Democrats are publicly in favor of TPA.
USA TODAY
House begins debate on trade bills
TAA, which assists American workers displaced by trade, is opposed by most Republicans, but it must pass in order for TPA to succeed, as the votes are structured to tie the fate of one bill to the other.
The customs enforcement bill is less controversial and expected to pass if TAA and TPA succeed.
USA TODAY
At ballgame, Obama goes to bat for free trade deal
Obama's charm offensive included an unannounced visit to the annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park on Thursday evening, where he greeted and posted with lawmakers. It was Obama's first appearance at the game as president.
President Obama waves to fans from the field during the annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park in Washington on June 11, 2015.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images)
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