As Countries Line Up to Sign Toxic Deal, Warren Leads Call to Reject TPP
(COMMON DREAMS) Deirdre Fulton, February 7, 2016 — With 12 nations expected to sign the corporate-friendly Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) in New Zealand on Thursday, opponents in the U.S. and beyond are renewing their criticisms of the deal’s worst provisions, which they warn pose serious dangers to the climate, working families, and democracy.
The signatures mark the end of the negotiating process, with a broad agreement on the deal having been reached in October. Now, all 12 Pacific Rim countries will be able to begin their respective domestic ratification processes, which in the U.S. means passage by Congress.
“The TPP is a giveaway to big corporations, special interests and all those who want economic rules that benefit the wealthy few. It is no wonder the presidential front-runners from both political parties oppose it.”—Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO
Recent reporting suggests Congress won’t take up the issue until after the November elections—which gives opponents time to hone their arguments against the toxic deal.