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Not So FastStop the presses! A hint of fairness and democracy crept into a U.S. trade bill. Not a lot, mind you, but enough to give heartburn to the corporate elite. Start them up again. The Senate quickly reverted to form and quashed hopes for effective worker rights protections in debate on the same "fast track" trade authority bill. It didnt take them long to get back to business as usual. Lets review. The Constitution of the United States gives Congress authority over trade laws. But presidents, beginning with Richard Nixon (who else?) put trade deals on the "fast track," that is, they sent them to Congress for an up or down voteno amendments, no input, take it or leave it. Usually Congress took it, even if they had problems with some provisions. In 1994, in a rare victory for workers in a U.S. trade pact, Congress declined to renew fast track authority for the president, and it has been dormant ever since. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives, by one vote, passed a measure to restore fast track. The proponents of unregulated free trade were gleeful, figuring renewal in the Senate would be a slam dunk, since that body for years hasnt met a trade deal it didnt like. Lo and behold, the Senate decided to show some backbone. As we went to press, the upper chamber voted to give Congress the right to amend a trade bill to remove provisions that would weaken protection (yes, Ill use that word) for U.S. industries against unfair practices from other countries. That measure was introduced by a Democrat and a Republican, and drew support from both parties. "Outrageous," cried the president. "A deal killer," said the pro-business crowd. "There will be consequences," huffed the president of the Chamber of Commerce. However, two days later, the Senate shot down an amendment by Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) to include enforceable labor and environmental protections in trade agreements. We knew it was too good to last. And all of this comes on the heels of the fact that even President Bush has agreed to language in the bill that extends health insurance coverage for workers who lose their jobs due to foreign trade. The fast track bill is unacceptable without labor protections, and the House already passed a bill that did not include them, so workers will have to wait for the next fight. Maybe if were lucky the president will veto the bill if it includes the ability of Congress to amend a trade agreement. But the closeness of the votes on pro-labor amendments, and the fact that the Senate did not rubber-stamp the fast track bill show that there is more support than we think for fair and reasonable trade measures, and bipartisan support at that. Its time to put trade back on the front burner. In this dangerous world, it is absolutely insane to rely on other countries for so much of our manufacturing capacity. If we dont begin now to rebuild our industrial base, it could have consequences even more devastating than those already felt by communities all across the nation. When youre considering who to vote for in this years midterm elections, ask candidates for federal office where they stand on trade issues. Corporate money has bought too many votes for wide-open trade in recent years. Let candidates know that working people are also keeping score, and we dont like people who vote to give away jobs, devastate communities and weaken national security. Just when our voices are hoarse and our faces have turned blue from shouting about unfair trading practices, it seems someone may actually be listening. Lets clear our throats and give them another earful. Jeremiah J. O'Connor |
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