U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio led a rally today (Monday) in Eugene. He was raising awareness of President Obama’s push for “fast track” authority to implement a controversial trade agreement.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, would ease trade between the United States and eleven Pacific Rim countries. Proponents say it would create American jobs by lowering tariffs on goods sold in Japan, Vietnam and elsewhere. Representative DeFazio says the TPP would benefit large corporations but have negative effects on the environment, worker’s rights, and jobs around the country and in our state:
DeFazio: “We’ve lost about fifty thousand jobs due to NAFTA, and this is likely to cost more Oregon jobs. I can’t tell you specifically in what sectors.”
DeFazio says a trade agreement with Korea similar to the TPP was touted as a boon for Oregon cattle farmers. But when it went into effect in 2012, Korea lowered its beef imports.
President Obama is meeting at Nike on Friday. DeFazio says the shoe company is in favor of fast tracking the TPP.