Representative DeLauro: TPP threatens U.S. Food Safety- Will vote against TPA [View all]

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Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Ct., said approval of the Trans Pacific Partnership would threaten food safety in the United States during a call with media hosted by Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch today.

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President Barack Obama was scheduled to attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting this week in Bali, Indonesia, where TPP will be a focus of discussion. However, the White House announced the cancellation of the trip Thursday night due to the government shutdown. Earlier Thursday, Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., said international affairs should not be disrupted. “Clearly, the president should be able to walk and chew gum,” he said.

Although skeptical of TPP provisions that he says may restrict certain countries' access to medicines, McDermott said he has yet to decide whether or not to support the trade agreement.

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Although U.S. Trade Representative Mike Froman said he would seek Trade Promotion Authority, which would provide for an up-or-down vote of the final trade agreement in Congress, DeLauro said she is “not just here to rubberstamp” any trade deals.

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Noting she will vote against Trade Promotion Authority, DeLauro said the “fast track” option “excludes [Congress] from having a meaningful role.”

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http://www.agri-pulse.com/DeLauro-says-TPP-threatens-food-safety-10-03-2013.asp