The U.S. Trade Representative (appointed by President Obama) negotiated the terms of the TPP in secret and behind closed doors. Congress has been removed from the process, prevented from exercising its constitutional authority to “regulate commerce with foreign nations.” While the public and elected officials have had no representation in these meetings, lobbyists from multi-national corporations were invited to serve as trade advisors for the U.S. government.
Now these same corporations, the Obama Administration and some members of Congress are calling for the passage of Trade Promotional Authority (TPA), also known as “Fast Track,” during the “lame duck” session before the new Congress convenes in early January. If enacted, Trade Promotional Authority would limit Congress to passing or rejecting the TPP, without the option to offer amendments or debate provisions in the trade agreement. Under previous TPA authorization, presidents have been able to implement a variety of free trade negotiations, such as: the World Trade Organization (WTO), the North AmericFor more information: Citizens Trade Campaign http://www.citizenstrade.org an Free Trade Act (NAFTA) and the Central American Free Trade Act (CAFTA).
Because trade agreements take precedence over local, state and federal law, this secretly negotiated trade agreement could jeopardize countries’ and local communities’ environmental, labor, health and safety standards. Moreover, it includes provisions that would enable multi-national corporations to further exploit vulnerable people and the environment.
Message:
Please urge your legislators to oppose Trade Promotional Authority that circumvents ordinary congressional review, amendment and debate procedures and that further empowers corporations by pushing through the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
This agreement could erode environmental, labor and health and safety protections in participating countries and threaten the livelihoods of vulnerable people and communities.
This Trans-Pacific Partnership (T.P.P.) is the largest free trade agreement ever negotiated. If enacted, it would serve as a model for all future free trade agreements. The TPP would include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Japan. For more information: Citizens Trade Campaign
