Sometime this afternoon, the Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote on whether to move the Fast Track trade package a step closer to becoming law.
Among the many reasons to oppose Fast Track is a measure that aims to discourage foreign governments from boycotting, divesting from, or sanctioning companies that do business in “Israeli-controlled territories.” This provision is aimed at pressuring the European Union to reverse course on the steps it’s taken in recent years to oppose Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The provision also erodes the distinction between Israel and Israeli settlements, seemingly endorsing the Israeli annexation of the West Bank. For these reasons, groups such as J Street, Americans for Peace Now, and Jewish Voice for Peace oppose the measure.
Interestingly, Republicans are working closely with the White House to try to pass Fast Track — but they are having trouble gathering enough Democratic support. Just last night, Senator Dick Durbin said “it’s very questionable” whether Republicans have the 60 votes necessary to pass the procedural hurdle to bring the bill to a vote on the floor.
Call your Senators NOW at (202) 224-3121 and say:
I urge Sen. __________ to oppose S. 995, the Trade Promotion Authority Bill, and to vote NO on today’s procedural vote to move the bill forward. I particularly oppose the provision in the bill that endorses the Israeli annexation of the West Bank and seeks to block Europe from limiting commercial relations with Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
When you’re done, report your call below.