Op-Ed: It’s Not Too Late to Right TPP’s Wrongs

[nationalize the fed]

By: Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Louise Slaughter (NY-25), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Brad Sherman (CA-30), Dan Kildee (MI-05), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) --Feb 2, 2016

For the last few decades our country has felt firsthand the negative impacts of major trade agreements. Repeated patterns of domestic job loss, environmental destruction, and crumbling labor protections paint a clear picture of the results we can expect from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal as it exists today. We must learn from the past, and not repeat those same errors in judgment as we work towards a stronger future. If we are going to develop a map for global trade, and “write the rules of the road,” we must ensure it supports people and the planet.

There are many flaws that lie within the more than 5,600 pages sitting on the table, waiting to be signed this week.

First, a trade agreement of this magnitude demands transparency and justice for everyone. The Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) process gives enormous power to foreign corporations and negates our domestic rule of law and democracy. Foreign corporations should not have rights in any country that supersede the rights of local citizens and the law of the land. A tribunal of three trade lawyers who have the power to make judgments about the legitimacy of sovereign environmental, public health, or national security law and decisions goes against the foundation of our democracy.

In the last few months alone, we have seen evidence of the danger of ISDS: Last year the Administration chose to reject the Keystone Pipeline XL on environmental grounds. Now, using ISDS, TransCanada is suing the U.S. Government for more than $15 billion to compensate them not only for expenses, but also projected profits. Best case scenario: The U.S. wins this suit after spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars defending ourselves, making it much harder for future administrations to make courageous environmental decisions. Worst case scenario: We lose the case, taxpayers fork over $15 billion, and our sovereignty and domestic rule of law is completely undermined. Future leaders will be forced to think twice about rejecting a corporate project on environmental grounds.

Second, it does not include a strong and enforceable plan for environmentally-friendly green trade. We have yet to see ANY meaningful environmental standards enforced from previous trade agreements. Indeed, the degradation of the environment has only increased because of these trade agreements. 792 million people live in the TPP zone. They deserve more than a few unenforceable environmental recommendations. Incentivizing trade without strong environmental protections creates a race to the bottom that rewards competitive advantage over public health and wellbeing.

Third, it promises free trade while compromising fair trade...snip

The American people deserve better. Free trade doesn’t cut it. We deserve transparent trade, green trade, and trade that empowers our middle class and domestic economy. The American people deserve fair trade.
https://medium.com/@TulsiPress/op-ed-it-s-not-too-late-to-right-tpp-s-wrongs-fc4b87814fdf

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard @TulsiPress · Feb 3

#TPP doesn't cut it. American ppl deserve transparent trade, green trade & trade that empowers the middle class -TG

https://twitter.com/TulsiPress/status/694966885172043779

Published on Jul 28, 2015: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) restates the need for transparency in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on the House floor.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Reaffirms Opposition to Harmful Trans-Pacific Trade Deal
October 05, 2015

Honolulu, HI—Today, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, issued a statement following the announcement of a finalized agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

“Until now, the American people have been shut out from the details of this trade agreement that looks to be like NAFTA on steroids. This deal, which will affect 40 percent of our global economy, will be even more unenforceable and more disastrous for American jobs and our economy than NAFTA has already proven to be,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/press-releases/508-rep-tulsi-gabbard-reaffirms-opposition-to-harmful-trans-pacific-trade-deal

Official House Page: http://gabbard.house.gov/

[HooptieWagon]

1. A gallon of gas and a match will fix everything wrong with the TPP. Nt

[mikehiggins]

2. And gas is real cheap right now. eom