Nancy Pelosi: “Mr. Speaker, as we all know, fast track authority will establish the framework for our trade relationship for the next…”

“Mr. Speaker, as we all know, fast track authority will establish the framework for our trade relationship for the next 10 years. As such, it is critical to the importance that this accord places on the environment. Therefore, I reluctantly oppose this bill, because it limits the administration's ability to address concerns regarding protection of the environment and bilateral regional and other trade agreements. To the extent that the environment is mentioned at all in the pending legislation, it is in a restrictive way. San Francisco, the city which I represent, is a city which is built on trade and continues to thrive on it. We appreciate the value of free trade. We also understand that the environment and the economy are inextricably linked. We believe that the environment must be central to any fast track legislation. My colleagues have mentioned that other presidents have had this authority. Indeed, I have voted for it in the past. Under previous fast track authority, the President had the discretion both to negotiate and to include in trade bills that were brought to Congress under fast track environmental, labor and human rights terms that the President deemed appropriate. This bill removes the 'appropriate' standard.”