WORC and its allies cheer sunset of Fast Track

WORC and its allies cheer the sunset of Fast Track, which ended June 30. Fast Track, also known as Trade Promotion Authority resulted in seven faulty free trade agreements over five years. Fast Track, which gave the President and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) full authority to negotiate and sign trade agreements, passed in 2002 by a very narrow margin. At that time, WORC fought vigorously to stop the provision that disregards the U.S. Constitution.

In passing Fast Track, Congress gave away their constitutionally given powers and placed them in the hands of the executive branch. While the U.S. Constitution gives the president authority to manage “relations with foreign sovereigns,” it gives Congress the responsibility to “regulate Commerce with foreign Nations.” Fast Track distorts this balance of power by delegating Congress’ constitutional authority over trade policy to the president.

Although Fast Track has expired, there are still four trade agreements pending consideration using the fast track rules. These include Columbia, Peru, Panama and South Korea. All four agreements were signed before Fast Track expired, grandfathering them into the fast track process if they should come before Congress.

So far, there are no signs of restoring the Trade Promotion Authority. However, it can be reintroduced in Congress at any time. Therefore, WORC and its allies like the Citizens Trade Campaign are working toward a new trade-negotiating model for Congress to consider. WORC continues to oppose any form of fast track authority because trade agreements must have the benefit of full review by Congress and the citizens whom Congress represents. WORC’s Trade Team will work with our allies to make sure any trade negotiating legislation meets the standards of the WORC Trade Bill of Rights.

—Jeri Lynn Bakken