The rule for considering these bills passed by a vote of 217-212, a vote that was only made possible thanks to the late decision of eight Democrats to vote for it, a rare show of support from Democrats who normally vote against Republicans at this stage of the legislative process.

That Democratic support was sorely needed, as nearly three dozen Republicans voted against the measure.

Passage of the rule allows the House to proceed to debate and take a final vote Friday on the trade promotion authority bill as well as the trade adjustment assistance act. The TPA extends powers awarded to the president to negotiate trade bills in an expedited fashion and with little opportunity for Congress to alter them.