On the recordMay 19, 2015
as we resume consideration of our TPA bill, I want to delve a little deeper into the process of considering and approving trade agreements. Throughout the debate surrounding this bill, I have heard the term ``fast-track'' used quite a few times. There was, in fact, a time when trade promotion authority was commonly referred to as ``fast-track.'' Now, only TPA opponents use that term. They want the American people to believe that under TPA, trade agreements come to Congress and are passed in the blink of an eye. Sometimes they use the term ``rubberstamp'' as if under TPA Congress wielding ultimate authority over a trade agreement--the power to reject it entirely--is a mere administrative act. There is a reason the term ``fast-track'' isn't used anymore. It is because those who are being truly honest know the process is anything but fast. I think it would be helpful for me to walk through the entire process Congress must undertake before rendering a final judgment on a trade agreement, to show how thoroughly these agreements are vetted before they ever receive a vote. Before I do, though, I will note for my colleagues that this bill adds more transparency, notice, and consultation requirements than any TPA bill before it. This bill guarantees that Congress has all the information we need to render an informed up-or-down verdict on any trade agreement negotiated using the procedures in this bill.…
