Exclusive: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman personally told Senator Jeff Merkley the administration wants to slow down and water down the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/… @washingtonpost
The State Dept insists that it is not lobbying against the bill, but at the same time one of their top officials is communicating concerns on behalf of the administration privately to the Dem senator co-sponsor, which is not exactly supporting the bill, is it. That's the nuance.
Meanwhile, Pelosi is claiming to be a strong supporter of the bill, but even after she brings the House to the floor next week, there's no plan to get it reconciled with the Senate. And Pelosi's office told it still might get wrapped into a larger China bill package. Clear as mud
The whole debate over the "blue slip" issue is a red herring, IMHO, because its not really a dispute over procedure. The House could pass the senate bill tomorrow. It's a dispute about policy and priorities, but nobody wants to own up to that.
As I wrote:
"Pelosi has been a champion for human rights in China for decades, but the fight is not over and the ball is in her court. Overall, it’s up to both parties and both chambers to act to stop a genocide now. There’s no good reason to delay."
"Pelosi has been a champion for human rights in China for decades, but the fight is not over and the ball is in her court. Overall, it’s up to both parties and both chambers to act to stop a genocide now. There’s no good reason to delay."
Interestingly, Merkley requested the call with Sherman, not the other way around. That’s why the admin says it’s not actively lobbying. Just telling the senators they would prefer the bill were different if and when they ask.
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