Top Nine Myths About Trade Promotion Authority And The Trans-Pacific Partnership

The Federalist ^ | June 9, 2015 | Scott Lincicome

[Isara]

A misguided (or misleading) opposition really has no idea what it’s talking about.

The current debate over Trade Promotion Authority proves, once again, that the classic description of the anti-globalization movement—as “largely the well-intentioned but ill-informed being led around by the ill-intentioned and well informed”—still holds true. Despite the tireless efforts of trade policy experts to explain why TPA and the U.S. trade agreements it’s intended to facilitate are, while imperfect, not a secret corporatist plot to usurp the U.S. Constitution and install global government, myths and half-truths continue to infect traditional and social media outlets.

Because these myths—originating with the same old anti-trade bedfellows that have been with us for decades—have duped a lot of good folks who are otherwise predisposed to support liberty and free markets (including some in Congress), and because the House of Representatives is poised to vote on TPA in the coming days, here is one last debunking of the top nine myths about TPA, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and U.S. free-trade agreements (FTAs) more broadly.

To save some time, you can skip to your favorite myth by clicking on the links below.

Myth 1: TPA and U.S. FTAs are unconstitutional and undemocratic!

Myth 2: TPA grants the president new and unlimited powers!

Myth 3: TPA sets legally binding congressional rules for U.S. trade negotiations!

Myth 4: Once TPA is approved, Congress will be powerless to stop TPP or other FTAs!

Myth 5: TPP is being negotiated via a dangerous and unprecedented level of secrecy!

Myth 6: FTAs, completed via TPA, undermine U.S. sovereignty!

Myth 7: TPP is a secret backdoor for a parade of horribles (and TPA lets that happen)!

Myth 8: FTAs (and free trade generally) benefit large corporations at the expense of working people!

Myth 9: TPA doesn’t matter!

There are legitimate (although not horrifying!) concerns about the contents of the final TPP deal, but it’s certainly not a harbinger of an economic or constitutional apocalypse. The American public should scrutinize the final agreement closely, but that won’t happen until TPA becomes law. For supporters of free markets, there’s no legitimate reason why it shouldn’t.

[Timber Rattler]

Deeds, not words. And Cruz's Op-Ed with Ryan was completely dishonest.

Sen. Cruz and Rep. Ryan Op-Ed in the Wall Street Journal: 'Putting Congress in Charge on Trade'

Congress won't be in charge of anything. It hasn't been for years, so what makes you think that's suddenly going to change, especially under King Barry.

[Timber Rattler]

So WHY Did Ted sign some phony Op-ed about the wonders of TPP and TPA if he had Problems with it?...

Precisely.

[1rudeboy]

No, I’m at work, and on my phone. Maybe you are too. I’ll Google it for you when I get home.

[TurboZamboni]

Fax House Leaders: No Secret Deals, No “Fast Track” For ObamaTrade
http://www.grassrootsaction.com/201352/offer.asp?Ref_ID=31543&CID=201351&RID=38315346

[Isara]

Sen. Cruz: Congress Must Prohibit Obama From Abusing TPA to Change Immigration Law
Cruz files amendment to Trade Promotion Authority legislation

May 13, 2015

http://www.cruz.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2324

[itsahoot]

SAMPLE EMAIL TO YOUR MEMBER OF THE HOUSE

The won't read legislation that they vote on but they will read our email. Got it.

[justa-hairyape]

Am always on my phone. Never connect my computers to the net any more. Have seen mention of 12 countries, but have never seen the list of the countries. My guess is the actual motives of this can be determined when the 12 countries are known. With Obama running the show, my guess would be Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. It violates National Security to not even know the 12 countries involved.

[Lucky9teen]

That's where it seems like a lot of confusion and angst comes from...too many are confusing TPA with the TPP and they are DIFFERENT BILLS.

FACT#1: TPA is the trade authority process. It does NOT include any trade agreement. What this 114 page bill does is lay out the process that a President must follow to both negotiate and seek approval for a trade agreement. Part of that process is on page 85 of the bill text, requiring the administration to make any trade agreement public and posted online for 60 days before the President can agree to it. That’s also long before Congress actually votes on whether to accept it. Not only will this give Congress oversight, but it gives you all the opportunity to evaluate the proposed trade agreement as well. FULL TEXT HERE: http://1.usa.gov/1KqnWoa

Fact #2: Once TPA is approved, Congress has the power to stop TPP and other Fast Track Authorities (FTAs). TPA includes new language that the House or Senate can withdraw or override the expedited procedures for trade implementing bills or “fast-track” rules for various reasons if they disapprove. For the first time, the House has a new authority to strip TPA for a particular agreement – even without having to get the Senate to concur. The House maintains full control over whether a trade agreement followed the guidelines and, thus, whether it maintains TPA protections.

[CCGuy]

I understand your point. But I specifically know they have folks that read and sort email and catalog the sentiments and report that “score” to the representative they work for.

I know because I knew somebody who did that for Rep Pete Knight.

[ncalburt]

Your a troll the lowest form of life on the internet .
take your own advice..

[Impy]

It’s nice to see something posted to counter all the protectionist propaganda.