Protesters say trade bill will move jobs offshore
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Members of the Occupy Providence movement gathered in Kennedy Plaza Friday to protest fast-tracking a largely secret international trade bill, which critics argue gives corporations power to challenge democratic laws.
“We’re here to let legislators know how strongly we disapprove of this bill,” said Pat Fontes, who organized the protest of about 20 people. “We should not have the treaty if lawmakers don’t have all the time they need to research and amend it.”
U.S. lawmakers will soon decide if the Trans-Pacific Pact, or TPP, will get a special “fast-track” status under the Trade Promotion Authority law, which would allow President Barack Obama to expedite the bill through Congress. By doing so, Congress would have 90 days to vote on TPP as a whole package without the chance to make changes.
Most of TPP’s details remain secret, and have largely been worked out by Obama and a regular group of trade advisers. WikiLeaks has published parts of the bill. So far, Obama loyalists oppose the 12-country deal, saying it will move jobs offshore and give power to corporations through a tribunal system set up by the World Bank and United Nations. Corporations could file legal action against a country if they lose profits because of federal, state or local laws. Most Republicans in Congress support the bill, arguing it will bring broad gains for consumers and the economy.
The Occupy movement is set to hold protests against TPP throughout the country on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. If fast-track authority is approved, Fontes said there will likely be protests until Congress votes on the bill.
U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline said in a statement that fast-tracking the bill without thorough review is a “bad deal” for Rhode Island.
“Congress should play an important role in making sure trade policies are fair for American workers, businesses, intellectual property holders, and consumers,” Cicilline said. “The fast-track model undercuts oversight of trade agreements and makes it more difficult to protect the interests of working families.”
