Tonko, coalition criticize federal "fast track" trade legislation
By Tiffany Brooks
Congressman Paul Tonko joined a number of labor, environmental and community groups to oppose federal legislation that, if passed, would "fast track" the process for approval on trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The TPP is a trade agreement being negotiated between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Pure, Chile, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia and Brunei. Details of the negotiation had been kept fairly secret until documents pertaining to the discussions had been leaked through Wikileaks. Based on the leaks, the groups fear the TPP agreement will be have a negative impact on jobs, the environment and business regulations than the "already-damaging" North American Free Trade Agreement.
Noting 700,000 jobs had been lost under NAFTA; Tonko said Congress needs time to debate the TPP agreement. If the legislation is fast tracked, Congress would be forced to vote on the agreement without sufficient time to debate the issue and would be unable to amend the legislation.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-01-22-86491.113122-Tonko-coalition-criticize-federal-fast-track-trade-legislation.html