Thursday: Trade, space

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will try to end debate on “fast-track” trade legislation Thursday amid criticism about a limited amendment process. 

Senators are expected to convene at 9 a.m. for leader remarks and morning business, before taking a procedural vote at 10 a.m. on the legislation, which would allow a president to get trade deals approved by a simple majority vote in Congress. 

{mosads}But Democrats have blasted the Republican leader, arguing that he went back on his promise for an open amendment process. More than 200 amendments have been filed to fast-track, but senators have taken only two votes — both on Monday.

Democrats want to delay taking a final vote on the trade legislation until June, but McConnell has vowed to pass the bill before senators leave for the Memorial Day recess. 

Meanwhile, the House is expected to vote on legislation that includes a provision to direct the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to study how to manage space traffic and orbital debris.

The House convenes at 10 a.m. for legislative business. Votes in the House are expected between noon and 1 p.m. They are likely to be the last votes in the House before lawmakers leave town for the week-long break.