Paul Tonko: “Tonight we are here to discuss, as I indicated, Trade Promotion Authority, most commonly known as fast track. Free trade…”

“Tonight we are here to discuss, as I indicated, Trade Promotion Authority, most commonly known as fast track. Free trade agreements that would be accompanied by a fast-track process are a way to bring about devastating outcomes, if not done correctly, to the American economy and, most importantly, to the American worker. Of late, most notably, the free trade agreement of which there is much concern expressed is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the TPP, which, by the way, would speak to a great number of nations which encompass about 40 percent of the international GDP. So it is no small compact here of which we speak. Fast track, as a concept, would constrain Congress' ability to conduct oversight, restrain oversight that Congress should provide so as to be the voice of the people who elect them, to place their given concerns in the discussions here in the House. It would delegate Congress' constitutional authority over trade policy in a way that would provide for no solid debate, no sharply restricting debate, and it would prohibit amendments. Basically, Congress would be limited to a simple up-or-down vote--thumbs up, thumbs down--on what could be a devastating outcome for the American economy and, most importantly, the American worker. These so-called free trade agreements have far-reaching impacts on American life. They may address dynamics like food safety or affordable medicine or financial regulations.…”