WASHINGTON – Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Co-Chairs Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today after Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Paul Ryan introduced a “fast track” Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill that would expedite approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) by revoking Congress’ authority to amend the deal.
“The Trade Promotion Authority introduced today circumvents Congressional authority and prevents oversight that is vital to protecting working families from bad trade deals. Both Republicans and Democrats know the TPP is a threat to our constituents, our economy, and the checks and balances that make our democracy work, which is why TPA faces such steep bipartisan opposition in Congress.
"Trade deals should be balanced, improve environmental protections and put workers first. The TPP will likely send more American jobs overseas, threaten our food and water safety, and increase the price of prescription medicines. Congress should not provide blanket authority to approve a deal that puts corporate profits over working families.”
# # #
