Jan. 27, 2015, Fairfax, Va.—Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning today issued the following statement in response to testimony by the U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal:
“The Senate Finance Committee inadvertently exposed the best reason why Congress should reject Trade Promotion Authority. The vast nature of the Trans-Pacific Partnership covering every aspect of the U.S. economy and life cries out for Congress to engage in thorough and complete consideration prior to ratification. Fast track by its nature puts time limits on Congressional consideration and eliminates Congressional capacity to amend portions of the signed Treaty to better reflect American interests.
“The answers provided by the U.S. Trade Representative were largely nothing more than reassuring generalities, however, an actual treaty is very specific and has the effect of overriding existing U.S. law. It would be a grievous error for Congress to give President Obama Trade Promotion Authority based upon a series of ‘trust us’ promises. President Obama has proven himself time and again to not have earned that trust, and it would be a slap in the face to Americans of all political stripes to not hold any treaty he negotiates to the exact 2/3 vote ratification process that the Constitution sets forth.”
Interview Availability: Please contact Americans for Limited Government at (703) 383-0880 ext. 106 or at media@limitgov.org to arrange an interview with ALG experts including ALG President Rick manning.
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