For much of this year, the story line in the Congress has been how the Democratic Senate and the Republican House have been unable to agree on a host of measure, especially when it comes to jobs.
You might not realize it, but outside of the debate over the Obama jobs bill, that's changed in recent weeks.
Yes, the big headlines have been about the filibuster of the President's jobs bill in the Senate, where both parties are pointing the finger of blame at each other - but when you look at what's happened since Labor Day in the Congress, the record tells a different story.
Congress gave final approval to a patent reform bill, which President said "will help American entrepreneurs and businesses bring their inventions to market sooner, creating new businesses and new jobs." Congress approved short term extensions of major highway and airport legislation, which the President said would protect over one million jobs Lawmakers also approved a major trade adjustment assistance bill designed to help businesses hurt by rising imports. Congress approved a trade bill that gives preferential treatment to the U.S. market for certain developing countries, which backers say will create jobs here. Then last night, the House and Senate easily approved three major trade deals, with South Korea, Panama and Colombia; it is estimated that could add $12 billion in American exports each year.
“These agreements will support tens of thousands of jobs across the country for workers making products stamped with three proud words: Made in America,” the President said earlier this month.
It was proof that while we focus on the high profile political battles, there is truly room for bipartisan cooperation on certain issues.
These trade deals drew more votes from Republicans in the House with stronger bipartisan majorities in the Senate.
Critics argued in vain that the trade deals would actually suck jobs out of the U.S., not improve economic fortunes here.
"Anyone who says the two parties can’t agree on anything isn’t really telling the whole story," said Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell.
.
You're Almost Done!
Select a display name and password
{* #socialRegistrationForm *} {* socialRegistration_displayName *} {* socialRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Tell us about yourself
{* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* agreeToTerms *}