So, TPP Fast Track has passed. RIP American Middle Class

[Hoyt]

138. Raine, my understanding is that the TPA passed by the Senate requires the final agreement to be made

public 60 day before Congress takes it up.

This June 23, 2015 NYT article describes it a bit differently, but to the same effect I think:

Under the trade promotion bill [TPA], such accords could not be considered by Congress for four months after completion, and for two of those months, the agreements would have to be made accessible to the public. The bill adds dozens of negotiating objectives requested by lawmakers, who still could vote down any deal struck.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/24/us/politics/senate-vote-on-trade-bill.html?_r=0


As to the negotiating documents. You can actually find them on the internet at various sites, including WikiLeaks. The front page, depending upon what chapter you are looking at, usually says something to the effect: "Declassify on: Four years from entry into force of the TPP agreement or, if no agreement enters into force, four years from the close of the negotiations. * This document must be protected from unauthorized disclosure, but may be mailed or transmitted over unclassified e-mail or fax, discussed over unsecured phone lines, and stored on unclassified computer systems. It must be stored in a locked or secured building, room, or container. "


For some reason -- I'll leave that to others to decide why -- people like Senator Warren and others were saying last year that that meant Americans would not see the agreement until years after it was ratified and in effect. I think that mistaken rhetoric caused much of the uproar over the TPP, and is an example of the kinds of misinterpretations being made in this process.

In any even, that interpretation was wrong. The so-called "classification" applies to the negotiating documents where countries actually write their opinions/desires to facilitate negotiations. That is what was supposedly "classified." I say "supposedly" because it is readily available for review if anyone takes the time to look.

In any event, we will all see the final agreement -- assuming it is finalized and Obama deems it worthy to submit to Congress -- months before Congress Votes.

Hope this helps.