Discuss this articleShare your views with other visitors, and read what they have to say
By a margin of just one vote, US Congress on 6 December passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) bill — formerly known as ‘fast-track’ — which would allow the US President to negotiate trade agreements that Congress can only accept or reject, but not amend. “I commend the House of Representatives for passing legislation that will restore our nation’s authority to negotiate trade agreements,” said US President George W. Bush. Supporters of the bill argue that TPA is crucial for US participation in multilateral trade negotiations, which will open foreign markets to US exporters. Most Democrats, in contrast, opposed the bill on the grounds that the language on labour and environment was not strong enough. The bill was also strongly criticised by conservation groups who are concerned that TPA could undermine efforts to include environmental, health and labour provisions in future trade agreements. “We shouldn’t rush through important trade deals without making sure that all Americans’ needs are addressed - including protections for the environment and workers. But that’s by definition what ‘fast-track’ does,” said Carl Pope of the Sierra Club. His sentiments were echoed by Marty Hayden of Earthjustice, who described TPA as “a real threat to American democratic and environmental values.” The bill, which would grant TPA until 2005, now has to be passed by the US Senate and signed by President Bush before it can enter into force.
“U.S. House passes fast track authority,” ENS, 7 December 2001; “Trade bill passes House in victory for Bush,” REUTERS, 7 December 2001; “House passes trade negotiation authority bill 215-214,” WASHINGTON FILE, 6 December 2001.
Add a comment
Enter your details and a comment below, then click Submit Comment. We’ll review and publish the best comments.