by the TPP Resisters, April 2016

Background: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is an international agreement that was negotiated in secret by the Obama administration and hundreds of corporate lobbyists between 2009 and 2015. The text of the TPP was released to members of Congress and the public in November, 2015. It was signed by the twelve member countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States and Vietnam) on February 4, 2016. Each country has two years to ratify the agreement.

Ratification requires Congress to pass implementing legislation submitted by the President.This will be considered under fast track, which requires Congress to vote within 90 days. Fast track also restricts debate and prevents amendments.The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is required to develop an economic impact statement for the TPP. The Obama administration is pushing for a vote on the TPP before the end…