The Obama administration is pushing hard to get fast-tracking legislation—formally called Trade Promotion Authority—passed in the House soon. The legislation, already having cleared the Senate, would allow the president—any president—full authority over negotiating any trade treaty for the next three to six years. If it passes, Congress can review whatever agreement is arrived at, and can vote it up or down. But no filibustering and no amendments would be allowed. President Obama has been jaw-boning and arm-twisting and phone-calling to nudge a few Democratic representatives into joining the majority of House Republicans who will support fast-track.

It looks to be a close vote. But if enough "ayes" were already assured, that vote would have been called for by now.

On Wednesday, amid boxes of petitions signed by as many as 2 million people, Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) and Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) were joined by representatives of environmental, union and other groups opposed to fast-tracking.

Here's Sanders:

Once again proving he's the right person for the job he seeks.