Ellison, Grijalva Oppose "Fast Track" Process for TPP, Urge More Congressional Input

Statement

Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Co-Chairs Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) released the following statement today in response to the recent introduction of the Camp-Baucus bill to "fast track" the Trans-Pacific Partnership:

"The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), like any other far-reaching trade agreement, has the potential to change the lives of millions of working families here in the United States and across the world. If passed without Congressional oversight, TPP will become another NAFTA -- a job-killer for the American economy and a broken promise to the international community.

"The proposed Trade Promotion Authority ignores Congress' Constitutional role by granting the president unilateral power over trade negotiations, denying Members of Congress the opportunity to advocate on behalf of their constituents. The TPP, like NAFTA, will cost American jobs, accelerate environmental degradation, increase the cost of medicines, and lower labor standards around the world. Despite the fact that hundreds of corporate lobbyists helped write TPP, Congress is being told to approve it without careful review.

"This is no time for Members of Congress to give away their right to advocate for working families. We stand firm in opposing fast track authority and any final deal that costs American jobs in the name of international corporate profits."

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