Matthew Russell: “With trade deals on the horizon, President Obama has asked Congress to grant him trade promotional authority, also…”

“With trade deals on the horizon, President Obama has asked Congress to grant him trade promotional authority, also called fast track, to ``write the rules for the world's economy.'' This measure would allow the President to pass sweeping trade partnerships without the input of the American people through their elected representatives in the normal process. Despite the various myths circulating about TPA, I sincerely believe that it is not in the best interest of our Nation, as written at this time. You have heard it said that a vote against TPA is a vote against international trade, but actually, a vote against TPA is a vote for a better construct and trade agreement. I am a strong supporter of trade when deals are negotiated strategically in the best interest of the United States economically, militarily, and diplomatically. With the President leaving office in just months, I have serious concerns about the rapid pace and content of any deal that could have decades of implication. Many have said TPA will strengthen our international relationships, and that may be, but while TPA would fast-track the Trans-Pacific Partnership, in specific, currently being negotiated by the President with 11 other Pacific nations, I am not convinced that this is a partnership that must be done in haste before the President leaves office. We currently trade with 6 of the 11 other members.…”