Congress Can — and Should — Declassify the TPP

[Jefferson23]

May 29, 2015
by Robert Naiman


San Francisco Says NO to Fast Track (Photo: Stop FastTrack/flickr CC 2.0)


One of the most controversial aspects of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is the fact that the Obama administration has tried to impose a public blockade on the text of the draft agreement.

When Congress votes on whether to grant the president “fast-track authority” to negotiate the TPP — which would bar Congress from making any changes to the secret pact after it’s negotiated — it will effectively be a vote to pre-approve the TPP itself.

Although the other negotiating countries and “cleared” corporate advisers to the US Trade Representative have access to the draft TPP agreement, the American people haven’t been allowed to see it before Congress votes on fast track. Members of Congress can read the draft agreement under heavy restrictions, but they can’t publicly discuss or consult on what they have read.

Arguments against Secrecy

Alan Beattie, who is sort of the economic globalization bureau chief at the Financial Times, recently challenged what he saw as the main establishment arguments in favor of this secrecy.

in full: http://billmoyers.com/2015/05/29/congress-can-declassify-tpp/

[Hoyt]

1. Other countries have access? You'd think someone would make copy and sell it for big bucks.

Well, that assumes anyone griping about what's in the so-called "secret" document, really plans on reading it.

Anyone who cares can pretty much figure out what's in it. Their interpretation is often questionable

[Jefferson23]

2. I'm not aware they have an incentive to do so, nor am I aware of the consequences.

Fair question, though.

From what we do know, and the wikileaks, it's not good and the OP makes a great
argument for transparency.

[Hoyt]

3. I find it transparent enough. And, once finished, we can all sit down and read it at least

90 days before Congress votes. Whataya bet, only a few read it, and even fewer interpret it or its impact correctly.

[Jefferson23]

4. We disagree on...enough. The majority of Democrats are against it, not that in itself is

central to proving it a terrible deal. I was very upset when Democrats gave Obama a hard
time on Iran...this is politics. Citizens must be as informed as possible, don't rely on what
they think.

[Joe Turner]

5. The only thing that is transparent in TPP is unlimited powers to usurpe Amerian laws and regulations

That a so-called democrat would be for this treaty is a reminder of just how much corporate influence has invaded the party. Reality check: a treaty of this magnitude with so many countries that has been here to fore kept shielded from the public's eye needs to be released, in full, to the press, more than 90 days before a Congressional vote. If you have nothing to hide then you should be confident that by making public all the details of TPP that it would pass the smell test. But of course it will not. Not even close. It's a corporate wet dream come true. Jeez don't you find the waters of the republican party more to your liking?

[Hoyt]

6. Tbaggers are on your side on this.

[Joe Turner]

7. Reality Check II: 90% of republicans are for TPP

TPP is their baby as much as you would like defect that sad truth. You will be in the same delivery room with Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, Paul Ryan, Chris Cristy and all the other corporate errand boys of the GOP when and if this abomination is ever born into this world. How does that make you feel?