Let trade talks move forward

Let’s start with why this is important.

In Washington state, 4 in 10 jobs are tied, directly or indirectly, to trade, according to the Washington Council on International Trade. And the value of goods and services exported by Washington state totaled $90.6 billion in 2014. The state exports twice as much per capita as the average among U.S. states.

To keep those goods flowing, especially as China gains stature as a trading partner with other nations, the U.S. is working to conclude negotiations later this year on the Trans Pacific Partnership, a sweeping trade deal with 12 Pacific Rim nations. To seal that deal, Congress is being asked to renew Trade Promotion Authority, also called “fast-track authority,” for the president that was first established in 1974 but expired in 2007. Fast-track authority would allow U.S. trade representative to continue negotiations, without the threat of being bogged down by amendments from Congress, but would bring that final agreement back to Congress for an up or down vote. Legislation for that authority was introduced in the Senate earlier this month and last week cleared the Senate Finance Committee on a 16-10 vote.

The legislation, although requested by President Obama, faces opposition from many Congressional Democrats and their supporters who have criticized the trade negotiations for a lack of transparency and for inadequate protections for U.S. standards on the environment, labor and human rights. But, as we stated in February, Trade Promotion Authority represents the best opportunity for Congress to make clear the protections it wants the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to emphasize in the trade deals it makes as part of the TPP.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, who drafted the legislation with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, says the legislation does address many of those concerns, as was reported by the Washington Post’s Lydia DePillis. Regarding transparency, the bill provides for greater access to drafts of future trade proposals and would establish a chief transparency officer in the Trade Representative’s office. The legislation also directs U.S. negotiators to ensure pacts comply with environmental treaties and adopt language that upholds standards on child labor, human trafficking, union organizing and more.

The legislation’s protections were further strengthened by an amendment made in the Finance Committee that would prevent fast-tracking of any treaties with nations who are recognized by the State Department as being out of compliance with international standards on human trafficking, language that would apply to Malaysia in the TPP talks.

The White House believes it has more leverage with Malaysia on human trafficking if that country is allowed to participate in the trade deal, but this is where Congress has its opportunity to make clear what is acceptable and what isn’t.

If, in the end, the final agreement is unacceptable to any in Congress, they can then vote to defeat it. But President Obama’s fast-track authority should be approved so that he and his trade representatives, working within Congress’ stated limits, can make a deal that promotes the state’s and nation’s economy and protects our interests.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, March 28

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Initiative promoter Tim Eyman takes a selfie photo before the start of a session of Thurston County Superior Court, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Olympia, Wash. Eyman, who ran initiative campaigns across Washington for decades, will no longer be allowed to have any financial control over political committees, under a ruling from Superior Court Judge James Dixon Wednesday that blasted Eyman for using donor's contributions to line his own pocket. Eyman was also told to pay more than $2.5 million in penalties. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Editorial: Initiative fee increase protects process, taxpayers

Bumped up to $156 from $5, the increase may discourage attempts to game the initiative process.

Protecting forests and prevent another landslide like Oso

Thank you for the powerful and heartbreaking article about the Oso landslide… Continue reading

Boeing’s downfall started when engineers demoted

Boeing used to be run by engineers who made money to build… Continue reading

Learn swimming safety to protect kids at beach, pool

Don’t forget to dive into water safety before hitting the pool or… Continue reading

Comment: Why shootings have decreased but gun deaths haven’t

High-capacity magazines and ‘Glock switches’ that allow automatic fire have increased lethality.

Washington state senators and representatives along with Governor Inslee and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez break ground at the Swift Orange Line on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Community Transit making most of Link’s arrival

The Lynnwood light rail station will allow the transit agency to improve routes and frequency of buses.

An image of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin is reflected in a storefront window during the State of the City Address on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at thee Everett Mall in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: State of city address makes case for Everett’s future

Mayor Franklin outlines challenges and responses as the city approaches significant decisions.

FILE - The massive mudslide that killed 43 people in the community of Oso, Wash., is viewed from the air on March 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: Mapping landslide risks honors those lost in Oso

Efforts continue in the state to map areas prone to landslides and prevent losses of life and property.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, March 27

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Burke: ‘Why not write about Biden, for once?’ Don’t mind if I do.

They asked; I’ll oblige. Let’s consider what the president has accomplished since the 2020 election.

Comment: Catherine missed chance to dispel shame of cancer

She wasn’t obligated to do so, but she might have used her diagnosis to educate a sympathetic public.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.