Eliot Engel: “I oppose the fast track bill before the House today. If fast track were to become the law of the land, the President…”

“I oppose the fast track bill before the House today. If fast track were to become the law of the land, the President could negotiate trade agreements that Congress is not allowed to amend... Therefore, unless the fast track rules under which a trade agreement is negotiated contain adequate protections for labor and the environment, I must vote against the deal. Unfortunately, that is the case today. In fact this rule will not even allow amendments to protect workers' rights, human rights, and the environment. Therefore, I will vote against both the rule and the bill and urge my colleagues to do likewise. Unlimited fast track procedures also brought us NAFTA, which I believe has been a failure. The fast track NAFTA deal with Mexico and Canada in 1993 is a perfect example of what happens when we rush into agreements that do not take into consideration the concerns of workers and consumers. Ever since NAFTA became law, America has lost more than 400,000 jobs as corporations move production to Mexico and Canada.”