Donald Trump can always count on his Republican senators to support him in everything he does. With that said, Senator Paul Ryan and other Republicans supported the President’s abrupt dismissal of James Comey Jr. However, while most GOP members always vote along party line, there are others, who often sit on the fence with some of his policies. The sacking of Comey had several GOP senators publicly expressing their grievances citing that his dismissal was unfair.
GOP Senators support Trump; McCain defends Comey
John McCain, the Arizona senator, had defended James Comey’s work as the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
McCain in a statement said his dismissal was unfortunate because he is a good man that works very hard leading the FBI.
According to the Arizona senator, Comey did not deserve to be fired from his job. And while he expressed his views on the sacking of the lead investigator in Trump's business and political private dealings with Russia, McCain also disclosed that he would vote against Trump’s newest nominee.
Love him or hate him, the Maverick continues to be a thorn in Donald Trump’s side. The ex-prisoner of war is well known in the political circle as one of the only senators unafraid to butt head with members of his party. McCain had announced that he would not vote for Robert Lighthizer as the U.S.
Trade Representative. Joining the Arizona senator is Ben Sasse, who also said he would vote against Lighthizer.
Why did McCain and Sasse vote against Robert Lighthizer?
On Wednesday, Sasse and McCain said they would vote against him because he had demonstrated that he is against the North American Free Trade Agreement. According to sources, Lighthizer received support from ‘The Big Club’ the economic lobbyist group represented by Tom Donohue of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce. Reportedly, Donohue is one of the leaders and the most vocal member of the lobbying organization.
According to a Wall Street group, the club’s presidents pay millions of dollars to influence politicians and legislators in economic trade deals. Donohue is accused of using corporate contributions from multi-national organizations to control all corporations that would adversely affect his business interest.
In fact, it isn’t surprising that both Republican senators would try to block the confirmation of Lighthizer. Reportedly, Sasse and McCain are two of the beneficiaries of Donohue’s monetary gifts and Robert Lighthizer as the U.S. Trade Representative would definitely pose a conflict.
