Right now, the president is attempting to push through what is called the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), or “Fast Track.” In its current form, it gives the president unfettered authority to negotiate trade agreements. They would go to the Senate, already written, leaving Senators no opportunity to have any input on the content.
American workers want free trade. American companies want free trade. But they don’t want us to rush into more trade deals -- they want trade agreements that work for them, protect American jobs, and put American companies on a level playing field with the rest of the world.
What we decide to put in these trade agreements affects Ohio families. The United States has lost 60,000 manufacturing plants in the last dozen years. We’ve lost about 5 million manufacturing jobs. Some of those losses are a result of free trade agreements.
More trade deals, faster trade deals, are not the answer. Deliberation and input from Senators -- charged with representing the people of America -- is imperative to the process. And we need to make sure that any attempt to expedite the process is carefully constructed.
or, not at all ...................
