More than 550 Advocacy Groups Pressure Congress TPA Rejection
The fast-track measures in the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act, including a 90 day timeframe to vote on trade pact implementation legislation and the removal of an amendment process, ensure the new negotiating objectives introduced in the legislation are not…
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sufficiently enforceable, said a group of more than 550 labor, environmental and other advocacy groups in a Jan. 27 letter to members of Congress. The letter expressed strenuous opposition to the bicameral bills, HR-3830 (here) in the House and S-1900 (here) in the Senate. “A new form of trade authority is needed that ensures that Congress and the public play a much more meaningful role in determining the contents of U.S. trade agreements. Critically, such a new procedure must ensure that Congress is satisfied with a trade agreement’s contents before a pact can be signed and subjected to any expedited procedures,” said the letter. “HR-3830/S-1900 is an abrogation of not only Congress’ constitutional authority, but of its responsibility to the American people. We oppose this bill, and urge you to do so as well.”