Could Someone Please Tell Me Why Obama Supports Fast Track and TPP [View all]

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If Congress approves fast-track authority, many concerns about the TPP may not even be debated. Changes would not be allowed in ANY trade agreement’s language for 6 years. Lawmakers would have to decide whether to vote “yes” or “no” on any trade deal that may be flawed, but they would not be able to fix it. Fast track ties the hands of elected officials.

Members of Congress wouldn’t have a chance to amend TPP language that could cause all kinds of problems. It could endanger American food and consumer safety, undermine labor rules, eliminate Buy American provisions, weaken environmental protections, and even restrict the freedom of the Internet. Yet, the TPP does not even restrict currency manipulation by other countries.

If the TPP is good for the U.S., lawmakers shouldn’t be concerned about it being debated out in the open on the House and Senate floors. Under the Constitution, Congress is granted the sole authority to debate and approve trade legislation. Lawmakers need to do their job and take a good look at this secretive trade deal rather than rush it through without full inspection. A quick up or down vote will not give the TPP the scrutiny it needs. U.S. workers and industries deserve better.

So could someone please tell me why Obama, a President who I twice voted for, supports this?