Trade agreement championed by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden goes back to Senate for approval.
BY JACOB PALMER | DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
The trade agreement championed by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden will go back to the Senate for approval after the US and 11 Asian nations recently finalized negotiations.
Supporters of the agreement celebrated.
“The latest weak jobs report and the disappointing growth in the United States and globally underscore the urgent need to open new markets for manufacturers and all Americans,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Today’s conclusion of the TPP agreement has the potential to reverse these trends if the deal achieves the priorities that the National Association of Manufacturers has fought hard for years to accomplish. A good deal must level the playing field and improve the competitiveness of manufacturers and their workers in the United States.”
While its detractors bemoaned its advancement.
“Awful news,” said Arthur Stamoulis, executive director of the Citizens Trade Campaign. “Despite the heroic efforts of activists on-the-ground and countless others throughout the world, trade ministers meeting in Atlanta have reportedly just struck a behind-closed doors deal on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). As such, it’s now up to us to convince Congress to vote down an agreement that’s bad for the economy, the environment and public health.”
Oregon is one of the most heavily trade-dependent regions in the nation, with billions of dollars worth of goods and services moving through the Port of Portland every year.
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Although the TPP had been negotiated in secret, its terms must now be released under provisions of Wyden’s bill. No U.S. Senate vote has yet been set.
(SOURCE: Portland Tribune)
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