Several Congressional Democrats along with R CALF and the National Farmers Union are opposing the granting of trade promotion authority, also known as fast track. President Obama wants TPA in order to be able to negotiate trade agreements with just an up or down vote by Congress. R CALF CEO Bill Bullard says if TPA is allowed, it takes away Congressional oversight and leaves citizens out of the process.
Bullard says TPA also takes away citizen’s rights and gives it to one person.
Bullard says TPA has led to failed trade agreements in the past which have devastated many industries in the United States.
Bullard says once TPA is granted the President signs a trade deal then Congress has only 90 days to vote on the FTA with just an up or down vote with no amendments allowed. The President can then bypass Congress and draft implementing legislation that puts the trade deal into effect.