FOR RELEASE: April 17, 2015
CONTACT: Stephanie Niedringhaus, 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

Washington DC:  In keeping with our past opposition to “fast track” trade proposals, NETWORK opposes “The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.” It was introduced yesterday after months of negotiations between Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ranking Minority Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) and House Ways and Means Chair Paul Ryan.

Like many other members of the faith community, we join with a large number of labor and consumer groups, food safety advocates and environmentalists to oppose trade proposals that silence the voices of people who should have input in trade negotiations. Those voices come from people who are directly affected by the trade agreements, and their input is vital according to democratic values. They have the right to be heard.

Sister Simone Campbell, NETWORK Executive Director, stated: “There is nothing new in the Hatch-Wyden-Ryan fast track proposal released yesterday as it continues the worst traditions of previous fast track bills. Even worse, the bill exempts the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is near completion, from the limited safeguards proposed in the same bill.”

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