TPP is bad policy for Americans

To the editor:

I'm writing to voice opposition to the Fast Track (TPA) and Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) legislation. Since NAFTA and Asian trade agreements passed, the U.S. has moved tens of thousands of factories outside the country, displaced millions of workers and accumulated hundreds of billions of dollars in trade debt. Just like NAFTA destroyed manufacturing jobs in our country back in the 1990s, TPP will do the same thing to science, technology and engineering jobs today.

According to Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT) and many sources, Fast Track will strip senators and representatives from their ability to vigorously discuss, debate and amend the TPP bill and future agreements. Pharmaceuticals will become more expensive. Capital controls for financial markets will be loosened. Consumers could lose protections against unsafe products. Most disturbing is the TPP provision that allows international trade law to trump that of our own nation, giving corporations the right to sue sovereign nations when local health, human rights and environmental laws get in the way of corporate profits. During a time of extreme job loss and stagnant wages in this country, we can't afford another one-sided, corporate favored trade deal. It's time we made decisions that protect American workers and consumers.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Joni Ernst and Congressmen Rod Blum, Steve King, Dave Loebsack and David Young: Do what is best for workers, consumers and fellow Americans; vote against Fast Track and TPP.

Chad Good

Marion