Schakowsky Statement on the Trade Promotion Authority Bill

CHICAGO – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to the introduction of Trade Promotion Authority legislation in the House on Thursday:

“Like many other Members of Congress, I have been outspoken about my many concerns with Trade Promotion Authority (also known as “Fast Track”) and the need for significant reform to the way our nation approaches free trade agreements. Unfortunately, the Hatch-Wyden-Ryan Trade Promotion Authority Bill is more of the same. This legislation would all but ensure the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) without significant Congressional oversight.

The TPP was an opportunity to get trade right. It was an opportunity to establish high, enforceable standards as a model for future trade agreements in the years to come. Instead of ensuring proper labor and environmental protections and protecting American jobs, TPP looks to be another example of the NAFTA model that has done so much harm to working Americans.

One particular focus of mine has been the pharmaceutical chapter, which has the potential of raising the cost of life-saving drugs at home and around the world while protecting profits of the big drug companies. I strongly oppose this Trade Promotion Authority legislation, and I will work with my colleagues to see that we do not fast track bad trade deals like the TPP.”