(Editorial note: Here is an example of how one Senator has been responding in a good way regarding Fast Track. Interesting to note even though the vote is over.)
EDWARD J. MARKEY
MASSACHUSETTS
218 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20510
(202) 224-2742
United States Senate
July 16, 2015
Dear Ellen:
Thank you for contacting me about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.
Free trade must be fair trade. I was displeased when Congress passed legislation this June providing trade promotion authority (TPA) or “fast-track” authority for trade legislation. I am opposed to fast-track authority that would make it impossible for any trade deal presented by the current or next President to Congress to be amended.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a proposed international trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States. In a global economy, international trade is critical to the future growth of the American economy. In the fiercely competitive global marketplace, United States businesses must have access to foreign markets in order to sustain and increase job growth and productivity. In Massachusetts, especially, our knowledge-based economy means markets must be open overseas to our high-tech products and services.
However, I strongly believe that the United States should only enter into international trade agreements with countries that safeguard workers’ rights and protect their environment in order to promote a healthy global economy. Therefore, I did not support any effort to pass Trade Promotion Authority, a legislative procedure to expedite consideration of TPP, because it did not include appropriate labor and environmental protections.
I am concerned about supporting any agreement that could harm United States manufacturers that are creating jobs and helping to grow our economy.
This year, I joined my colleagues Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin in sending a letter to United States Trade Representative raising concerns about provisions that may be included in the TPP that would make it harder for Congress and regulatory agencies to prevent future financial crises.
Please be assured I will be closely monitoring the progress of the TPP and will actively work toward trade solutions that support our economy, our workers, and our environment.
Thank you again for contacting me about this issue. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. To sign up for my newsletter, visit http://www.markey.senate.gov/newsletter. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Markey
United States Senator
